Factors affecting the medication literacy of older adults and targeted initiatives for improvement: a cross-sectional study in central China

Introduction: This study explored the state of rational drug use among older adults in central China, aiming to unveil factors influencing their medication literacy and proposing targeted improvement measures. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 454 participants aged 60 and above was conducted in Hubei province between February 1 and May 30, 2023, with data collected through face-to-face interviews by pharmacists. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors that affected medication literacy. Results: Of the 412 valid questionnaires, findings revealed inadequate knowledge of rational drug use among older adults in central China. Those who fully understood (105, 25.49%, OR = 9.349, p < 0.001, 95%CI = 3.884-22.502) or partially understood (228, 55.34%, OR = 3.295, p = 0.002, 95%CI = 1.548-7.013) drug instructions exhibited significantly higher medication literacy than those who did not understand (79, 19.17%). Subsequent research revealed a lack of awareness in reading drug instructions or difficulty in understanding them. Most older adults seldom heard of but exhibited high acceptance of medication guidance services. Discussion: In conclusion, the ability to comprehend drug instructions significantly influenced the medication literacy of older adults. Initiatives such as revising age-appropriate drug instructions could effectively enhance rational drug use among this demographic.