THE EFFECT OF DRUG EDUCATION PROVIDED TO PERSONS AGED 65 OR OVER IN PRIMARY CARE ON THEIR DRUG MANAGEMENT

Introduction: The aim of this research was to determine the level of knowledge of the elderly on using prescribed drugs, and to examine the effects of providing a drug education program, with a pretest-posttest and semi experiment model. Materials and Method: The study sample consisted of 40 elderly individuals aged 65 or over who presented to the primary healthcare centers number 1 and 3 located in the city center of Erzincan between February and May 2008 with one or more chronic diseases and who were using medications continuously. Data were collected using a descriptive form for the elderly, and a form for determination and assessment of level of knowledge on drugs. For each elderly person, an individualized drug education card was prepared with a computer. The cards contained information on name, dosage, purpose of use, side effects, and storage conditions of the drug and how to use it. Drug education was provided by the researchers on a face to face basis. The knowledge levels of patients were evaluated before and after the education program. Results: Post-test scores were statistically significantly higher than the pre-test scores in terms of a number of items including knowing the name, side effects, duration of usage, of the medicine, etc (p<0.001). Conclusion: We suggest that individualized nurse-directed drug education programs will be very helpful for the elderly to ensure successful drug management.