Investigating the Role of Health Literacy in Medication Adherence among Older Adults with Chronic Disease in Peshawar

Abstract

This study investigated the role of health literacy in medication adherence among older adults (aged 55 years and above) with chronic diseases in Peshawar, Pakistan. A significant issue in society is poor medication adherence, which is also one of the primary contributors to complications that are preventable, unnecessary admissions, and medical expenses. The survey was a quantitative and cross sectional survey involving 399 older adults, who were recruited through healthcare institutions in Peshawar. Health literacy was determined by means of the Brief Health Literacy Screening (BHLS), and medication adherence was evaluated by 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). According to the descriptive findings, medication adherence was mainly low (Low: 64.9%, Medium: 22.1%, High: 13.0%), and health literacy was largely low in the sample (Limited: 50.1%, Marginal: 24%, Adequate: 26%). Chi-square test indicated that health literacy and medication adherence are strongly related and significantly (p = 0.001) accurate. Limited health literacy levels were associated with significantly elevated chances of low adherence (100% of participants with limited HL had low adherence) although adequate literacy levels gave rise to a rather higher level of adherence. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27. The article results determine that poor health literacy is a significant health concern that prevents effective medication when applied to elderly people with chronic diseases. To enhance medication adherence and chronic disease control in Pakistan, the study has indicated that specific and culturally sensitive health literacy programs, with the help of the framework like the Health Belief Model, can be used to positively affect the main issue.