ARE OLDER ADULTS LESS COMPLIANT WITH PRESCRIBED MEDICATION THAN YOUNGER ADULTS

To compare compliance in older adults with that of younger people, two studies investigated general practice patients taking either a short course of antibiotics or long-term medication. These studies examined the effects of age on compliance separately from other factors such as memory, domestic conditions, health beliefs, numbers of drugs being t aken, etc. The results indicate that seven variables were independentl y and significantly related to better compliance: accurate knowledge o f regimen; belief in the importance of taking tablets exactly as presc ribed; low resentment of time spent waiting to see the doctor; less fe ar of illness; ability to read the label on the bottle; understanding what the doctor has said; and living with a relative. Age as such was not a factor affecting compliance. The results are discussed in terms of the potential influence of GPs in improving compliance in their pat ients.