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.

Keywords: health literacy; health-related quality of life; hypertension; medication adherence; older people.