A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF ELDERS' VIEWS ON MEDICINE USAGE
TURKISH JOURNAL OF GERIATRICS-TURK GERIATRI DERGISI, vol.18, no.3, pp.205-210, 2015 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus, TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 18 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2015
- Journal Name: TURKISH JOURNAL OF GERIATRICS-TURK GERIATRI DERGISI
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Page Numbers: pp.205-210
- Keywords: Elderly, Use of medication, Medication experience
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Introduction: Within many studies little attention has been paid to elders' ideas about medicines. This qualitative study set out to explore the experiences of elderly requiring chronic treatment. Materials and Method: Four focus groups were conducted with 27 participants aged 65-88 years. Interviews were taped, transcribed, and coded by two independent researchers, who identified major themes by relevance. Results: The main themes emerging from the analyses were: perceived properties of drugs; proper usage of drugs and experience of drug usage. Participants described these in their words as; 'Everybody has a disease, but I am a drug addict; I have used drugs all my life'. 'I'm not worried about taking them, mostly because if they're going to kill me earlier I don't care because I just want to get rid of the problem'. 'I don't know the names; I recognise them looking at their sizes and colours'. 'I need to get a continuous way, but sometimes I do not. If I forget to drink I take it after I remember'. Conclusion: To understand elderly' experience and behaviors helps to meet their medication related needs and can avoid problems due to improper drug usage.