Date of Award
8-21-2007
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Gerontology Institute
First Advisor
Patricia Clark - Chair
Second Advisor
Elisabeth Burgess
Third Advisor
Molly Perkins
Abstract
ABSTRACT Many older African American adults have inadequate health literacy and are more likely to have chronic illnesses needing medication therapy. African Americans continue to experience significant health disparities in the incidences of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It was postulated that ethnic disparities in medication compliance are related to a dynamic interplay between low health literacy and health locus of control. Thirty older African Americans taking at least one prescription medication were interviewed. Although the vast majority was well-educated, only 53% displayed adequate health literacy. Most of the participants believed they controlled their health, and over half were noncompliant with their medications. Poor health literacy and health locus of control appeared to influence medication compliance in older African Americans.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/1062191
Recommended Citation
Armstrong, Karen Andrea, "The Relationship of Health Literacy and Locus of Control to Medication Compliance in Older African Americans.." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2007.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/1062191