| Title: | Barriers and Facilitators to Medication Adherence among the Vulnerable Elderly: A Focus Group Study |
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| Authors: | ID Horvat, Martina, National Institute of Public Health, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (Author)
ID Eržen, Ivan, National Institute of Public Health, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (Author)
ID Vrbnjak, Dominika, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia (Author) |
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| Files: |  healthcare-12-01723.pdf (258,13 KB)
MD5: 457C43F9326B3E0A25F8973FD654131A
 healthcare-12-01723-s001.zip (69,33 KB)
MD5: FCF59B6CF1250479FD4ED20725CE3C27
 https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/12/17/1723/pdf
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| Language: | English |
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| Work type: | Scientific work |
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| Typology: | 1.01 - Original Scientific Article |
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| Organization: | FZV - Faculty of Health Sciences
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| Abstract: | Poor medication adherence is a significant public health issue, especially among the vulnerable elderly, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This study aimed to explore, identify, and understand the barriers and facilitators to medication adherence among vulnerable elderly individuals. We conducted a qualitative study using focus group interviews with 31 participants, including community nurses, social care services, volunteers from non-governmental organizations, patient association members, and informal caregivers, using semi-structured questions and inductive content analysis to gather and analyze qualitative data. Two main categories, “Perceived barriers” and “Facilitative interventions” were developed. The findings revealed multiple barriers, including medication-related barriers, patient-related barriers and barriers related to the healthcare system and healthcare personnel. Participants also highlighted the importance of facilitating interventions like medication management, health education, supportive social networks, and ensuring continuity of care. The study underscores the need for targeted strategies to improve medication adherence among the vulnerable elderly. |
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| Keywords: | medication adherence, elderly, vulnerability, barriers, facilitators |
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| Publication status: | Published |
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| Publication version: | Version of Record |
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| Submitted for review: | 21.08.2025 |
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| Article acceptance date: | 28.08.2025 |
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| Publication date: | 29.08.2024 |
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| Publisher: | MDPI |
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| Year of publishing: | 2024 |
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| Number of pages: | str. 14 |
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| Numbering: | Letn. 12, št. 17 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/DKUM-95505  |
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| UDC: | 616-085-053.9 |
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| ISSN on article: | 2227-9032 |
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| eISSN: | 2227-9032 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 206039043 |
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| DOI: | 10.3390/healthcare12171723 |
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| Publication date in DKUM: | 23.09.2025 |
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| Views: | 198 |
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| Downloads: | 12 |
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| Metadata: |    |
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| Categories: | Misc.
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