A Comparative Study of Elderly Patients’ Adherence to Medication in Rural Versus Urban Communities in Niger State
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Background of the Study (400 words)
Medication adherence among the elderly is a growing concern in healthcare, as non-adherence can lead to deteriorated health outcomes, increased hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs. In Niger State, the stark contrast between rural and urban communities offers a unique environment to study these dynamics. Urban areas often provide better healthcare infrastructure, greater access to medical facilities, and more comprehensive health education programs compared to their rural counterparts (Okoro, 2023). However, rural elderly patients, despite facing numerous challenges, may benefit from stronger community ties and traditional support systems that encourage adherence to prescribed regimens (Bello & Adeyemi, 2024).
The elderly population, defined as individuals aged 60 years and above, frequently manages multiple chronic conditions requiring complex medication regimens. In urban settings, while resources are more abundant, the fast-paced lifestyle and social isolation can adversely affect medication adherence (Olawale, 2025). Conversely, rural elderly patients may encounter barriers such as limited access to pharmacies, irregular supply of medicines, and lower levels of health literacy, which can lead to missed doses or incorrect usage (Chinwe, 2023). Both environments, therefore, present unique challenges and opportunities in understanding how socio-demographic factors influence adherence behaviors.
Recent literature highlights that factors such as socioeconomic status, educational background, and the quality of healthcare provider-patient communication are critical determinants of adherence among the elderly (Olayinka, 2024). There is also emerging evidence suggesting that tailored interventions—taking into account the specific needs of rural versus urban dwellers—could significantly improve adherence rates (Adewale, 2023). This study will explore these issues by comparing medication adherence in elderly patients from rural and urban communities, aiming to uncover the underlying factors contributing to any observed differences. Such insights are vital for designing effective public health strategies and optimizing therapeutic outcomes for the aging population in Niger State (Okoro, 2023).
Statement of the Problem (300 words)
Elderly patients in Niger State face considerable challenges in adhering to their prescribed medication regimens, a problem that is accentuated by the contrasting dynamics of rural and urban communities. In urban areas, despite the availability of advanced healthcare facilities and resources, factors such as busy lifestyles, fragmented social support, and complex medication regimens may lead to lower adherence rates (Olawale, 2025). Conversely, in rural areas, while a strong sense of community might encourage adherence, issues such as limited access to healthcare services, inadequate health literacy, and inconsistent medicine supply create significant barriers (Chinwe, 2023). These discrepancies contribute to a critical public health concern: non-adherence can exacerbate chronic illnesses, result in higher incidences of hospital readmissions, and increase the overall burden on the healthcare system.
The current literature underscores that medication adherence is multifactorial, influenced by both patient-specific factors and systemic healthcare challenges (Adewale, 2023). Yet, there is a dearth of comparative studies that specifically examine how these factors play out in rural versus urban settings within Niger State. This research gap hinders the development of targeted interventions that could effectively address the unique challenges faced by elderly patients in these different environments. Furthermore, the lack of integrated data on adherence behaviors prevents policymakers from formulating robust, evidence-based strategies to mitigate the risks associated with non-adherence.
By examining the differences in medication adherence between rural and urban elderly patients, this study aims to provide insights that could lead to more tailored healthcare interventions. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for elderly patients by ensuring they receive the full therapeutic benefits of their prescribed treatments. Addressing these issues is essential not only for improving individual patient outcomes but also for reducing the systemic healthcare costs associated with non-adherence (Olayinka, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
1. To compare medication adherence rates among elderly patients in rural and urban communities.
2. To identify the socio-demographic and systemic factors influencing medication adherence in these settings.
3. To propose targeted interventions to improve medication adherence among the elderly in Niger State.
Research Questions
1. What are the differences in medication adherence rates between elderly patients in rural and urban communities?
2. Which socio-demographic factors significantly affect medication adherence among the elderly in Niger State?
3. What interventions can be implemented to enhance medication adherence in both rural and urban settings?
Research Hypotheses
1. H₀: There is no significant difference in medication adherence rates between elderly patients in rural and urban communities.
2. H₀: Socio-demographic factors do not significantly influence medication adherence among elderly patients in Niger State.
3. H₀: Targeted interventions will not significantly improve medication adherence in either rural or urban communities.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on elderly patients (60 years and above) in selected rural and urban communities in Niger State. It will include participants from local clinics, hospitals, and community centers. Limitations include potential recall bias in self-reported adherence data, variations in medication regimens, and logistical challenges in reaching remote rural areas.
Definitions of Terms
• Medication Adherence: The extent to which patients take medications as prescribed by their healthcare providers.
• Elderly Patients: Individuals aged 60 years and above.
• Rural Communities: Areas with lower population density and limited access to healthcare services.
• Urban Communities: Areas with higher population density, greater healthcare infrastructure, and diverse socioeconomic characteristics.
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