Factors related to adherence to treatment from the perspective of the old person

Adherence to treatment is essential for the success of pharmacotherapy for old people. Regarding this phenomenon, the objective of this study was to identify and understand the factors associated with adherence to drug treatment. For this, a qualitative study was carried out with the old people considered non-adherent by the instrument of Morisky, Green and Levine. The research scenario took place at the Hospital Universitário de Brasília from March to August 2015. The relationship between the old people and treatment adherence proved to be complex and included the following factors: changes in routine, access to medicines and health services health, polypharmacy, consequences of medication effects, medicalization and relationships with health professionals. For the old people considered non-adherent, intentions and conduct of adherence to treatment were observed. In other words, "adherence" and "non-adherence" are phenomena experienced by old people simultaneously, following the life dynamics of individuals. Nevertheless, the recognition and understanding of the factors discussed were important for the deepening of academic knowledge on the topic, in addition to supporting the gathering of crucial information for the qualification of local pharmaceutical assistance.