RIS ID

32534

Publication Details

Mullan, J., Ellis, J., Worsley, A. & Yeo, W. (2010). Prescription medication hoarding, borrowing and sharing among elderly Illawarra residents. National Medicines Symposium 2010 (pp. 251-251). National Prescribing Service LTD.

Abstract

Objective: To examine prescription medication hoarding and borrowing or sharing (PMHBS) behaviours in aged people, particularly which medications are subject to these behaviours and the circumstances that enable these behaviours. Method: A mixed methods triangulation design, using consecutive qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (survey) methodologies in a convenience sample of people aged over 65, living independently in the Illawarra region (NSW). Results: Focus group participants (n=28) acknowledged PMHBS behaviours were widespread; however, very few survey respondents (n=226) admitted to engaging in these behaviours. Main findings in the study were enablers for these behaviours: the prescription medication is considered the same as that prescribed previously; and self medicating for pain relief. Conclusions: The prevalence of PMHBS behaviours in this study was low, although it was acknowledged such behaviours occurred in the wider community. Sharing strong pain medication and the same prescription medication appeared to be acceptable in this population.

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