1.School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao 999078, China;
2.Department of Pharmaceutical Affairs, Macao Health Bureau, Macao 999078, China;
3.Department of Pharmacy, Kiang Wu Hospital, Macao 999078, China
Abstract：Objective To explore the medication use behaviors, their associated factors and the demands for community pharmaceutical care among the elderly in Macao. Methods A survey was conducted by quota sampling in October 2015, which targeted at the residents aged 60 years or older from the districts of Nossa Senhora de Fátima, Santo António, São Lourenáo, islands, São Lázaro and Sé of Macao. Data such as health information, medication use behaviors, basis for purchasing medications, and demands for pharmaceutical care were collected. Results A total of 401 questionnaires were issued. 398 valid questionnaires were collected and the valid rate was 99.3%. Regular use of 5 or more medications was reported by 30.4% of respondents. Based on the results of the Morisky scale, overall medication adherence was found to be unsatisfactory in 60.6% of respondents. 14.1% of respondents had adjusted medication doses and 8.5% had repeated doses. Both types of irrational medication use were associated with polypharmacy. Most respondents were supportive of the implementation of community pharmaceutical care. Conclusion There are strong demands for community pharmaceutical care from the elderly in Macao. These data can serve as references to develop various pharmaceutical care models, so that pharmacists can play a more significant role in promoting rational medication use among the elderly.
2018, Vol. 15 
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