Self-medication practices of Spanish-speaking older adults in Hartford, Connecticut

Patricia J. Neafsey, Olga Jarrín, Surheil Luciano, Maren J. Coffman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

The self-medication practices of Spanish-speaking older adults in Hartford, Connecticut, are documented. A previously validated English self-medication practices survey was systematically translated into Spanish, pilot tested, and verbally administered via face-to-face interviews to 100 Spanish-speaking participants. Participants were recruited from five senior congregate housing sites. Eligibility criteria were age 60 and over, diagnosis of hypertension and/or diabetes, and independent physical and cognitive functioning. Descriptive data are presented, including demographics, use of prescription and nonprescription medications, reasons for self-medication choices, purchase sources, and frequencies of potentially adverse self-medication practices. Participants were predominantly (93%) from Puerto Rico. Mean acculturation scores and education levels were low. Half the participants reported at least one adverse self-medication practice, and 24% reported at least two. The data support the need for an educational intervention targeted to older Hispanics to reduce adverse self-medication practices.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)169-179
Number of pages11
JournalHispanic Health Care International
Volume5
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing

Keywords

  • Hypertension
  • Self-medication practices
  • Spanish-speaking older adults

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Self-medication practices of Spanish-speaking older adults in Hartford, Connecticut'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this