THE EFFECT OF HEALTH LITERACY LEVELS ON MEDICATION ADHERENCE AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES

Background: The global population is aging rapidly, leading to a surge in the prevalence of chronic diseases among older adults. Effective self-management, particularly medication adherence, is crucial for controlling these conditions and preventing complications. However, adherence rates among the elderly are concerningly low. Health literacy, the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information, has emerged as a key determinant of health outcomes, yet its specific impact on medication adherence in this vulnerable population requires comprehensive investigation.
Aim: This study aims to investigate the effect of health literacy levels on medication adherence among elderly patients with chronic diseases.
Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational research design was employed. A sample of 346 elderly patients aged 60 years and above, diagnosed with two or more chronic conditions, was recruited from outpatient clinics. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising sections on sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, the Short Form Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLS-SF12), and the Malaysia Medication Adherence Assessment Tool (MyMAAT). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis.
Results: The mean age of participants was 67.1 years, with the majority being female (52.3%) and retired (58.7%). Hypertension (30.2%), hyperlipidemia (24.0%), and diabetes (18.0%) were the most prevalent conditions. Participants demonstrated limited health literacy (mean HLS-SF12 score = 16.4, SD = 12.6) and poor medication adherence (mean MyMAAT score = 32.6, SD = 12.3). A significant positive correlation was found between health literacy and medication adherence (r = 0.36, p < 0.0001). Higher health literacy scores, lower treatment burden, and fewer chronic conditions were significant predictors of better medication adherence.
Conclusion: Limited health literacy is a significant barrier to optimal medication adherence among elderly patients with chronic diseases. These findings underscore the urgent need for healthcare providers and policymakers to implement targeted, health literacy-sensitive interventions to empower elderly patients, reduce treatment burden, and improve health outcomes. Future research should explore the mediating role of cognitive function and the effectiveness of tailored educational programs in diverse healthcare settings.
Keywords: Health Literacy, Medication Adherence, Elderly, Chronic Disease, Polypharmacy, Treatment Burden