Original Research Articles
Non-communicable diseases, medication adherence and social support among elderly medical clinic attendees of the Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Sri Lanka
Authors:
Sudheera Fernando,
Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, LK
Wimalasiri Uluwattage,
Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, LK
Bhashinie Sirisena,
Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, LK
Devarajan Rathish
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, LK
Abstract
Introduction: Sri Lankans 60 years and above are among the highest in South Asia and the country's population is fast ageing. This trend would increase the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD).
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of NCD, medication adherence and social support among elders at the medical clinics in Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Sri Lanka
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among medical clinic attendees aged 60 years and above. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demography, NCD, medication adherence and perceived social support. Data were collected from every eighth elderly patient attending the medical clinic on clinic days for a month. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine the significant association between study variables (p<0.05).
Results: Data of 459 elders were included for the analysis. Hypertension (76%), diabetes mellitus (44%), ischaemic heart disease (38%), dyslipidaemia (32%), and bronchial asthma (21%) were the top five NCDs observed. High levels of medication adherence and social support were seen only in 24% and 20%, respectively. A significant association for medication adherence was found with social support (p<0.05; Spearman rho 0.09).
Conclusions & Recommendations: Hypertension was the most common NCD among the elders. A significant association for medication adherence was found with social support. Hence, medication adherence among elders could be improved by enhancing perceived social support.
How to Cite:
Fernando, S., Uluwattage, W., Sirisena, B. and Rathish, D., 2021. Non-communicable diseases, medication adherence and social support among elderly medical clinic attendees of the Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Sri Lanka. Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 27(3), pp.428–434. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v27i3.8396
Published on
23 Nov 2021.
Peer Reviewed
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