Intentional and Unintentional Medication Nonadherence – Comparing Older and Younger Adults

Abstract

Medication is often prescribed for the management of chronic diseases. However, studies have shown that a substantial proportion of patients do not adhere to the medication regime as prescribed by their doctors. In the recent years, medication-taking behaviors have been considered from a reasoned decision-making perspective, where medication nonadherence is categorized into unintentional (due to suboptimal cognitive performance) or intentional (due to doubts about the necessity of the medication) factors. To better understand the factors leading to medication nonadherence, we surveyed 347 participants to understand their medication adherence behavior, reasons for nonadherence, medication management strategies and interests in medication knowledge. We compared between older and younger adults and found significant differences in their attitudes towards medication adherence. Younger adults were found to be less adherent, with higher reports of unintentional medication nonadherence, than older adults; while pillbox use was not found to be associated with age nor adherence level.