(227) Exploratory Analysis of Medication Adherence and Social Determinants of Health among Older Adults with Diabetes

Objective : The objective of this study was to identify and prioritize social determinants of health (SDOH) associated with medication adherence among a nationally representative sample of older adults with diabetes. Secondary objectives were to characterize SDOH, estimate medication adherence, and explain implications for health disparity populations among older adults in the US who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional secondary data analysis to examine the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database, identifying associations between SDOH and medication adherence among older adults with diabetes in the US. The study population was respondents aged 65 and older whose healthcare providers told them they had diabetes. Statistical analyses consisted of univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: A total of 1,807 respondents’ data were included in the analyses. Nearly three-quarters (73.9%) of patients were considered adherent to their diabetes medications. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in adherence to medications based on age group (p=0.001), disability status (p < 0.001), household balanced meals (p=0.001), interview language (p=0.004), and race (p=0.015). Multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in medication adherence based on disability status (p=0.016), household balanced meals (p=0.033), and interview language (p=0.008).

Conclusions: Results revealed those with a disability, those who could not afford a balanced meal, and/or those who spoke English were associated with a higher likelihood of being nonadherent to their diabetes medications in comparison to individuals who were not in these groups. The findings of this study can assist in developing SDOH-centered medication adherence strategies for healthcare providers to implement with older patients with diabetes.