The effects of medication adherence and health literacy on health-related quality of life in older people with hypertension.

ABSTRACT

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of medication adherence and health literacy on health-related quality of life in vulnerable older people with hypertension. BACKGROUND: Health literacy is particularly critical for providing accurate information regarding correct medication intake to improve medication adherence. Additionally, health-related quality of life is directly related to impairment from chronic disease. DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used. The participants were 160 low-income older people with hypertension registered in 16 public health centres in Busan, South Korea. They had received "visiting nursing services" for at least 6 months until the latest date and had belonged to the priority group of visiting nursing services. METHODS: The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, the Newest Vital Signs and EuroQol-5 Dimensions were used to assess medication adherence, health literacy and health-related quality of life, respectively. RESULTS: Medication adherence and health literacy were significantly associated with health-related quality of life in vulnerable older people with hypertension, although exercise and subjective health were more significant factors affecting health-related quality of life than medical adherence and health literacy. Level of education, monthly income and employment status were not associated with health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: To effectively promote health-related quality of life in this population, medication adherence and health literacy of patients should be considered when developing health interventions, including subjective health and exercise. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE To effectively promote health-related quality of life in vulnerable older people, medication adherence and health literacy of patients should be assessed, and patient-centred intervention strategies that consider their individual differences should be developed.