EXAMINING PRESCRIPTION DRUG USE AND HEALTH CARE ACCESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN RURAL AREAS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY BASED ON THE HEALTH BELIEF MODEL

Introduction: Medication adherence is critical for achieving desired health outcomes, particularly in older rural patients with limited healthcare access. This study, structured according to the Health Belief Model explored the correlation between health beliefs regarding medication intake and adherence in older rural patients with chronic disease who used prescription medication. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 206 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years in rural villages of the Gemerek district (Sivas, Turkey). Health beliefs and adherence were assessed using validated HBM and ARMS-7 scales. Results: The structural model fitted very well overall (χ²/df = 1.65; RMSEA = 0.041; SRMR = 0.036; CFI = 0.982; TLI = 0.976). Among the predictors, perceived barriers had a significant negative impact on medication adherence. (β = –0.31; p < 0.01). In contrast, perceived benefits (β = 0.39; p < 0.01) and self-efficacy (β = 0.36; p < 0.01) were positively and significantly related with regard to adherence. The other dimensions were not significant predictors. Conclusion: These findings highlight the key role of psychosocial determinants in medication use among older adults in rural communities. To enhance medication use among older rural patients, education and counselling by primary care physicians and pharmacists should focus on reducing perceived barriers and increasing patients’ self-efficacy. Implementing such targeted strategies may improve continuity of care and help older adults manage their treatments more confidently. Ultimately, strengthening these supports could contribute to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life in rural aging populations. © 2025, Turkish Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved.