Medication Adherence and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Elderly Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Al Ahsa Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Medication non-adherence is a major concern among elderly cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients leading to poor health outcomes. With an aging Saudi population and rising CVD burden, this issue warrants greater attention.

Objective: This study aimed to assess medication adherence and its impact on cardiovascular outcomes among elderly CVD patients in the Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 150 elderly patients aged ≥60 years with established CVD were recruited from healthcare facilities in Al-Ahsa. Medication adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS). Cardiovascular outcomes including blood pressure control, recurrent CVD events, hospital readmissions and mortality were compared between adherent and non-adherent groups.

Results: 20% of patients showed low adherence (MMAS score <5), 45% moderate adherence, and 35% high adherence (MMAS score 8). Non-adherent patients had worse systolic and diastolic blood pressure control, more recurrent CVD events (37.3% vs 16%), increased cardiovascular hospital readmissions (20% vs 6.7%), and higher mortality (13.3% vs 4%) compared to adherent patients.

Conclusion: Medication non-adherence was highly prevalent among elderly CVD patients and significantly associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. Routine screening and targeted interventions to improve adherence are warranted in this high-risk group.