Authors: (including presenting author): :
Wong CA(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Kowloon West Cluster
Keyword 1: :
medication literacy
Keyword 2: :
hypertension
Introduction: :
Hypertension is the most prevalent chronic disease among older adults in Hong Kong, posing significant risks of morbidity and mortality. Effective management of hypertension requires not only pharmacotherapy but also adequate medication literacy, which ensures safe and effective use of medications. However, little is known about the level of medication literacy and its associated factors in this population.
Objectives: :
To assess the level of medication literacy and the associated demographic and clinical factors among Chinese community-dwelling older patients with hypertension in Hong Kong primary care settings.
Methodology: :
In this cross-sectional study, 371 community-dwelling Chinese patients aged 65 or above with hypertension and self-managing medications were recruited from three Family Medicine Clinics in Sham Shui Po district, from January to April 2025. Medication literacy was measured using the Revised Chinese Medication Literacy Scale for Hypertensive Patients (C-MLSHP-R). Demographic and clinical data were collected via questionnaire and electronic records.
Result & Outcome: :
Results: The mean C-MLSHP-R score was 30.5 ± 7.0 (range: 6–49). Patients performed best in the attitude domain and poorest in the skills domain. Univariate analysis showed younger age, higher education level, smartphone use, and having downloaded the “HA Go” app were associated with better medication literacy. Multivariate analysis identified higher education (B = 3.03, p < 0.001) and having downloaded the “HA Go” app (B = 2.57, p = 0.001) as independent predictors. Conclusion: Medication literacy among the elderly hypertensive patients is not high and has room for improvement. Higher education levels and having the digital health tool “HA Go” are associated with better medication literacy. Strategies to improve disease management should target those with low medication literacy.
