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Journal of Aging and Health, Vol. 16, No. 5, 591-614 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0898264304265772

A Pilot Study Examining Older Adults’ Beliefs Related to Medication Adherence

The BERMA Survey

Leslie Mcdonald-Miszczak

Western Washington University

Paula Maris

Western Washington University

Tracy Fitzgibbon

Western Washington University

Gina Ritchie

Western Washington University

Objective: To establish a multifactorial measure of older adults’ beliefs related to medication adherence. Methods: Ninety-two older adults (M = 71.42 years) were asked to provide medication and health-related information, memory strategies, and complete the Beliefs Related to Medications (BERMA) Survey. Results: The final version of the BERMA survey contains 53 questions with three scales. The overall reliability of the scale is excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = .94), as is the reliability of the scales. Correlations show that better rated memory for medications was associated with higher reported adherence and fewer external memory strategies. Higher perceived ability to deal with health professionals was related to higher importance of medication adherence and greater perceived seriousness of one’s medical condition. Finally, more positive attitudes about medications were associated with better self-rated health and fewer side effects. Discussion: The results indicate that the BERMA survey is a potentially useful research tool for understanding older adults’medication adherence.

Key Words: medication adherence • older adults • measure • survey • beliefs


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