The Negative Association of Independent Personality and Medication Adherence

Objectives: This investigation examines the association of personality factors and medication adherence among older adults. Method: The Six-Factor Personality Questionnaire was mailed to participants involved in a medication adherence investigation. Medication adherence was monitored with an electro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of aging and health 2006-06, Vol.18 (3), p.407-418
Main Authors: Insel, Kathleen C., Reminger, Sheryl L., Hsiao, Chao-Pin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Compliance
Drug therapy
Elderly
Health technology assessment
Humans
Medications
Older people
Patient Compliance - psychology
Personal Autonomy
Personality
Personality traits
Treatment Compliance
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Summary:Objectives: This investigation examines the association of personality factors and medication adherence among older adults. Method: The Six-Factor Personality Questionnaire was mailed to participants involved in a medication adherence investigation. Medication adherence was monitored with an electronic monitoring cap for 8 weeks for one prescribed daily medication. Results: Sixty older adults, mean age 77 years (range 67 to 93 years), returned the questionnaire (69% response rate). Stepwise regression analysis demonstrates that when age and level of education are controlled, independence predicts medication adherence. This factor demonstrates a negative relationship with adherence suggesting that higher levels of independence may be related to lower adherence to prescribed medication. The facet component self-reliance is predictive of poor medication adherence. Discussion: The finding that higher self-reliance is associated with lower adherence in an older population deserves further investigation and clinical consideration.
ISSN:0898-2643
1552-6887
DOI:10.1177/0898264306286200