Evaluation of Medication Adherence According to Frailty Status in Older Diabetic Patients

Authors : İlhan Yapıcı, Betül Çiğdem Yortanlı, Mikail Dağ, Fatih Saçkan, Muhammet Cemal Kızılarslanoğlu

Pages : 62-70

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Publication Date : 2025-08-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between frailty and medication adherence in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS and METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Konya City Hospital between May and November 2021, including 194 diabetic patients aged 60 years and older. Frailty status was assessed using the FRAIL scale, and medication adherence was evaluated with the 8-item morisky medication adherence scale The Modified Charlson Comorbidity index was used to quantify comorbidity burden. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and logistic regression models. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 67 years (IQR: 64-71), and 69.6% were female. The prevalence of frailty was 50%, and no significant association was found between frailty and medication adherence (p=0.318). However, variables independently associated with low adherence included shorter diabetes duration (p=0.049), lack of diabetes education (p=0.020), and higher HbA1c levels (p=0.010). Patients with low adherence monitored their blood glucose significantly less frequently (p=0.008) and had a higher risk of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Frailty was not significantly associated with medication adherence in elderly diabetic patients. Instead, diabetes education, glycemic control, and self-monitoring practices played a more significant role. These findings highlight the importance of structured education programs and individualized interventions to improve adherence. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal follow-up are needed to better understand the complex interplay between frailty and adherence.
Keywords : Diabetes mellitus, kırılganlık, ilaç uyumu, yaşlı

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