The Role of Geriatric Nurses in Improving Medication Adherence Among Elderly Patients in Bauchi State
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Background of the Study
Medication adherence is a critical factor in the effective management of chronic diseases among the elderly. As individuals age, they often develop multiple chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases, necessitating long-term medication use (Adeyemi & Hassan, 2024). However, non-adherence to prescribed medications is a common problem among elderly patients due to factors such as forgetfulness, complex medication regimens, financial constraints, and side effects (Chukwu & Ibrahim, 2023). Studies have shown that poor adherence leads to increased hospitalizations, complications, and even mortality among older adults (Garba & Sanni, 2024).
Geriatric nurses play a vital role in addressing these challenges by educating elderly patients on the importance of medication adherence, simplifying drug regimens, and providing reminders and follow-ups (Ogunleye & Musa, 2023). They also collaborate with physicians and pharmacists to ensure that medications are prescribed appropriately and adjusted based on the patient's response and side effects. In Bauchi State, where healthcare access can be limited, geriatric nurses serve as essential healthcare providers in ensuring medication adherence among elderly patients.
Despite their crucial role, geriatric nurses in Bauchi State face challenges such as understaffing, lack of specialized training, and resistance from patients who prefer traditional remedies over prescribed medications (Williams & Yusuf, 2024). Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of geriatric nurses in improving medication adherence and identify barriers that hinder their efforts.
Statement of the Problem
Poor medication adherence among elderly patients remains a significant healthcare concern in Bauchi State, leading to frequent hospitalizations, increased healthcare costs, and poor health outcomes (Bello & Adeyemi, 2023). Many elderly individuals struggle with taking their medications as prescribed due to memory loss, polypharmacy (taking multiple drugs), financial difficulties, and lack of understanding of their treatment plans (Okonkwo & Musa, 2023).
Geriatric nurses are positioned to address these issues through patient education, medication counseling, and follow-up care. However, their effectiveness is often limited by systemic challenges such as inadequate training in geriatric pharmacology, high patient loads, and poor healthcare infrastructure (Olawale & Hassan, 2024). Without effective interventions to support geriatric nurses, medication adherence among elderly patients will continue to be suboptimal, resulting in worsening health conditions.
This study aims to examine the role of geriatric nurses in improving medication adherence among elderly patients in Bauchi State, identifying the challenges they face and recommending strategies to enhance their effectiveness.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the role of geriatric nurses in promoting medication adherence among elderly patients in Bauchi State.
- To identify the factors influencing medication adherence among elderly patients.
- To recommend strategies to enhance geriatric nurses' effectiveness in improving medication adherence.
Research Questions
- What role do geriatric nurses play in improving medication adherence among elderly patients?
- What factors influence medication adherence among elderly patients in Bauchi State?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve the effectiveness of geriatric nurses in promoting medication adherence?
Research Hypotheses
H₀: Geriatric nurses do not play a significant role in improving medication adherence among elderly patients.
H₁: Geriatric nurses play a significant role in improving medication adherence among elderly patients.
H₀: There are no significant factors influencing medication adherence among elderly patients in Bauchi State.
H₁: There are significant factors influencing medication adherence among elderly patients in Bauchi State.
H₀: Implementing new strategies will not improve the effectiveness of geriatric nurses in promoting medication adherence.
H₁: Implementing new strategies will improve the effectiveness of geriatric nurses in promoting medication adherence.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on geriatric nurses working in hospitals, clinics, and primary healthcare centers in Bauchi State. It examines their role in improving medication adherence among elderly patients while identifying the challenges they face. Limitations include variations in healthcare access, differences in patient education levels, and possible recall bias in self-reported adherence data. Findings may not be generalizable to other states with different healthcare infrastructures.
Definitions of Terms
- Geriatric Nurses – Nurses specializing in the care of elderly patients.
- Medication Adherence – The extent to which patients take medications as prescribed by their healthcare providers.
- Polypharmacy – The simultaneous use of multiple medications by a patient, often leading to challenges in adherence.
- Patient Education – The process of informing patients about their health conditions and treatment plans to improve adherence.
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