DEPRESSION, COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT, AND UNDERSTANDING OF MEDICATION DIRECTIONS IN HOSPITALIZED ELDERLY PATIENTS

Purpose. The objectives of this study were 1) to assess understanding of medication directions of drug therapy in a group of hospitalized el derly who were not receiving assistance with medication administration ; and 2) to determine whether depression, cognitive impairment, age, a nd other characteristics are associated with patient understanding of medication directions. Methods. The sample consisted of 117 hospitaliz ed elderly patients aged 70 years and older who were taking two or mor e medications prior to hospitalization and reported medication self-ad ministration. Data collection included demographic characteristics, mo od, cognition, and pre-admission medication use and knowledge. Results . Thirteen (11%) patients did not understand directions for two or mor e pre-admission medications. Being 80 years or older was associated wi th not understanding medication directions (OR = 6.2, p = .017). There was a trend for depressive symptoms to be associated with not underst anding medication directions, however, this was not significant (OR = 3.9, p = .058). Conclusions. Although all individuals should be assess ed for comprehension of their medication regimens, those over 80 years of age with depressive symptoms deserve increased attention. Alternat ive strategies may need to be developed to improve medication knowledg e in the older, depressed hospitalized patient.