This study examined the behaviors relating to the utilization
of prescription and over-the-counter medications in a small group
of elderly subjects in the 65 years and over age range. This group
was attending an Elderhostel at Western Oregon State College
during the summer of 1991, when the information was obtained. The
objectives of this study were to ascertain specific medication taking
behaviors, and whether or not directions were adhered to as prescribed
by physicians for this highly educated group, or if their behaviors
were similar to those referred to in the literature for all elderly.
A sample of 38 elderly was obtained during an Elderhostel
Wellness Vacation at Western Oregon State College in Monmouth, Oregon
during July, 1991. Subjects completed questionnaires regarding
medication-taking behaviors as part of a wellness class session
regarding the safe use of medications. Questionnaires were filled out
prior to the class discussion.
Data were assembled using one survey instrument with questions
relating to medication usage. Descriptive statistics using histograms
showing frequency distributions were used for data analysis.
Sixty-five percent of this group were taking prescription
medications and sixty-eight percent of this group were taking
over-the-counter medications. Medications were being obtained from
more than one physician and more than one pharmacy. The subjects
took fewer doses of medications per day and less medication per
dose than prescribed. Medications were discontinued prematurely
if feeling better or worse. Leftover medications from previous
prescriptions were being taken. Outdated or expired medications
were being taken. Alcoholic beverages were being used in conjunction
with the use of prescription medications. In some cases,
prescriptions were not filled because they were considered to be
unnecessary.
Recommendations for education and future research in the
problematic area of drug use in the elderly include: 1) More time
spent by health care professionals to educate the elderly in the
correct and safe use of medications; 2) Community health promotion
programs targeted at the well elderly; 3) Personalized "brown bag"
medication counselling sessions; 4) Medication education programs
at Elderhostels throughout the country; 5) Education programs
through the American Association of Retired Persons; and 6) Further
studies of larger groups of well-educated, healthy and active
elderly. / Graduation date: 1993
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/36069 |
| Date | 05 May 1993 |
| Creators | Pratt, Pamela (Pamela Christine), 1943- |
| Contributors | Smith, Margaret M. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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