Exploring the impact of health education on medication adherence and health outcomes in low-income neighborhoods: An observational study
Background: Medication adherence and health outcomes are influenced by multiple factors, including patient education. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to explore the impact of health education on medication adherence and various health outcomes in low-income neighborh...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara
2024-02-01
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| Series: | Asian Journal of Medical Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/AJMS/article/view/59364 |
| _version_ | 1797334788747558912 |
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| author | Sandhya Rani M Ramesh Palabindela Tejkumar C Nagendra Naidu B |
| author_facet | Sandhya Rani M Ramesh Palabindela Tejkumar C Nagendra Naidu B |
| author_sort | Sandhya Rani M |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: Medication adherence and health outcomes are influenced by multiple factors, including patient education.
Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to explore the impact of health education on medication adherence and various health outcomes in low-income neighborhoods.
Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted involving 100 participants from low-income neighborhoods, aged 18–65, who were prescribed at least one chronic medication. Participants underwent a comprehensive health education program focusing on medication adherence, potential side effects, dietary habits, and physical activity. Outcomes were measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), biometric values (e.g., blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and body mass index [BMI]), self-reported health status, hospitalization records, medication side-effects awareness, and dietary habits.
Results: Post-education, there was a significant improvement in MMAS-8 scores (5.3 pre to 6.8 post, P<0.001). Biometric outcomes revealed a decrease in average blood pressure (from 145/90 mmHg to 130/85 mmHg), fasting blood sugar (from 150 mg/dL to 130 mg/dL), cholesterol levels (from 210 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL), and BMI (from 28.5 to 27.3), all with a statistical significance of P<0.01. Participants reporting “Good” or “Very Good” health increased from 45% to 65%, and those reporting regular physical activity increased from 25% to 45% (P<0.05). Hospitalizations/medical visits decreased from an average of 2.1–1.3 over 6 months (P<0.01). The proportion of participants with awareness of their medication's side effects significantly increased from 30% before the health education program to 70% afterwards (P<0.001). In addition, participants reporting adherence to dietary guidelines rose from 20% to 50% (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Health education appears to have a substantial positive impact on medication adherence, biometric health outcomes, and overall well-being in low-income neighborhoods. Structured health education interventions may play a pivotal role in improving community health. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T08:27:15Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-39e8cddeadcc48a7bdb3685e34fbdc26 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2467-9100 2091-0576 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T08:27:15Z |
| publishDate | 2024-02-01 |
| publisher | Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Asian Journal of Medical Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-39e8cddeadcc48a7bdb3685e34fbdc262024-02-02T04:25:21ZengManipal College of Medical Sciences, PokharaAsian Journal of Medical Sciences2467-91002091-05762024-02-011526469https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v15i2.59364Exploring the impact of health education on medication adherence and health outcomes in low-income neighborhoods: An observational studySandhya Rani M 0https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0585-3893Ramesh Palabindela 1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7531-3525Tejkumar C 2https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2940-6927Nagendra Naidu B 3https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3979-3553Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Guntur Medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India Background: Medication adherence and health outcomes are influenced by multiple factors, including patient education. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to explore the impact of health education on medication adherence and various health outcomes in low-income neighborhoods. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted involving 100 participants from low-income neighborhoods, aged 18–65, who were prescribed at least one chronic medication. Participants underwent a comprehensive health education program focusing on medication adherence, potential side effects, dietary habits, and physical activity. Outcomes were measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), biometric values (e.g., blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and body mass index [BMI]), self-reported health status, hospitalization records, medication side-effects awareness, and dietary habits. Results: Post-education, there was a significant improvement in MMAS-8 scores (5.3 pre to 6.8 post, P<0.001). Biometric outcomes revealed a decrease in average blood pressure (from 145/90 mmHg to 130/85 mmHg), fasting blood sugar (from 150 mg/dL to 130 mg/dL), cholesterol levels (from 210 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL), and BMI (from 28.5 to 27.3), all with a statistical significance of P<0.01. Participants reporting “Good” or “Very Good” health increased from 45% to 65%, and those reporting regular physical activity increased from 25% to 45% (P<0.05). Hospitalizations/medical visits decreased from an average of 2.1–1.3 over 6 months (P<0.01). The proportion of participants with awareness of their medication's side effects significantly increased from 30% before the health education program to 70% afterwards (P<0.001). In addition, participants reporting adherence to dietary guidelines rose from 20% to 50% (P<0.01). Conclusion: Health education appears to have a substantial positive impact on medication adherence, biometric health outcomes, and overall well-being in low-income neighborhoods. Structured health education interventions may play a pivotal role in improving community health.https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/AJMS/article/view/59364health education; medication adherence; biometric measures; self-reported health status; low-income neighborhoods |
| spellingShingle | Sandhya Rani M Ramesh Palabindela Tejkumar C Nagendra Naidu B Exploring the impact of health education on medication adherence and health outcomes in low-income neighborhoods: An observational study Asian Journal of Medical Sciences health education; medication adherence; biometric measures; self-reported health status; low-income neighborhoods |
| title | Exploring the impact of health education on medication adherence and health outcomes in low-income neighborhoods: An observational study |
| title_full | Exploring the impact of health education on medication adherence and health outcomes in low-income neighborhoods: An observational study |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the impact of health education on medication adherence and health outcomes in low-income neighborhoods: An observational study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the impact of health education on medication adherence and health outcomes in low-income neighborhoods: An observational study |
| title_short | Exploring the impact of health education on medication adherence and health outcomes in low-income neighborhoods: An observational study |
| title_sort | exploring the impact of health education on medication adherence and health outcomes in low income neighborhoods an observational study |
| topic | health education; medication adherence; biometric measures; self-reported health status; low-income neighborhoods |
| url | https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/AJMS/article/view/59364 |
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