Measurement Techniques and Level of Analysis of Medication Adherence Behaviors across the Life Span

Abstract

We have collected data on medication adherence in several studies from samples of younger as well as elderly adults. Samples have included hypertensive adults, adults taking medications for a range of illnesses, and adults with osteoarthritis. The time range for collecting adherence data has varied from two weeks to two months, and the level of analysis has varied from examination of individuals medications across 60 days to monthly estimates of overall adherence rates. Finally, our research group has extensive experience with two microelectronic techniques for measuring adherence: the Videx time wand system which relies on bar code scanners to measure adherence, and the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) which involves pressure sensitive lids that record the date and time a lid is removed from a prescription medication. Issues involved in measurement of adherence are presented and various techniques for presenting and analyzing data are discussed.

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