Self-reported medication adherence and health status in late adulthood: the role of beliefs

Exp Aging Res. 2000 Jul-Sep;26(3):189-207. doi: 10.1080/036107300404859.

Abstract

In this study, we explore the role of subjective beliefs in determining self-reports of medication adherence and health status in 90 older adults (M age = 71.7 years, SD = 7.44). Self-reported adherence was predicted by personal health locus of control beliefs, but not by medical factors nor beliefs regarding one's own health care professionals. Self-reported health was predicted by medical factors, perceptions of one's health care professional, and health locus of control. These results suggest that self-reported adherence is primarily a belief-laden construct whereas self-reported health consists of both an objective assessment of health and a subjective belief-laden component. Exploratory analyses conducted on younger-old and older-old age groups indicated that medical factors may be less important to older-old adults' perceived health status than the younger-old adults.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Drug Prescriptions
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Judgment
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Self Concept