Prevalence and Related Factors of Ineffective Self‐Health Management in Polymedicated Patients Over the Age of 65 Years.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of Ineffective Self‐Health Management (ISHM) (00078) and its related factors in polymedicated patients over the age of 65 years. METHODS: A cross‐sectional, descriptive design was used. A home interview was conducted with each participant (<italic>N</italic> = 375) for data collection. FINDINGS: The prevalence of ISHM was 37.3%. The risk factors associated were social risk, depression, noncompliance, medication errors, and confusion with medications. CONCLUSIONS: Among polymedicated elderly patients, the prevalence of ISHM is high. The diagnosis is closely connected to the compliance and complexity of the treatment regimen, in addition to those relating strictly to social and emotional factors. IMPLICATIONS: Nursing methodology encompasses instruments that allow nurses in clinical practice to evaluate the issue of compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]