A systematic review on the determinants of medication adherence in older adults with hypertension

Introduction. Medication adherence is a key element in controlling blood pressure when lifestyle modifications fail to achieved blood pressure targets. The degenerative process challenges the ability to adhere to medication in older adults. Objective. This research aimed to systematically investigate the predictor of medication in older patients with hypertension. Materials and Methods. A systematic searching strategy in six databases, such as Science Direct, PubMed, Proquest, SAGE, and Emerald was applied in this study. Studies after 2012 were included in this research, and then followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. Results. Of 887 studies identified, 12 were included in the data synthesis. Self-management, health literacy about hypertension and antihypertensive agent, cognitive function (memory), belief, and subjective life expectancy were identified as determinants of medication adherence in older adults with hypertension. Memory functions are the strongest determinant in medication adherence among the elderly. Conclusions. Interventions increasing memory ability, such as strategies for remembering, rewarding, and reinforcement, are needed in the population of elderly with hypertension.