2Ministry of Health, 24th Family Health Center, Ä°ZMÄ°R
3Dokuz Eylul University, Medicosocial Services Unit, Ä°ZMÄ°R Introduction: Within many studies little attention has been paid to elders' ideas about medicines. This qualitative study set out to explore the experiences of elderly requiring chronic treatment.
Materials and Method: Four focus groups were conducted with 27 participants aged 65- 88 years. Interviews were taped, transcribed, and coded by two independent researchers, who identified major themes by relevance.
Results: The main themes emerging from the analyses were: perceived properties of drugs; proper usage of drugs and experience of drug usage. Participants described these in their words as; ‘Everybody has a disease, but I am a drug addict; I have used drugs all my life'. ‘I'm not worried about taking them, mostly because if they're going to kill me earlier I don't care because I just want to get rid of the problem'. ‘I don't know the names; I recognise them looking at their sizes and colours'. ‘I need to get a continuous way, but sometimes I do not. If I forget to drink I take it after I remember'.
Conclusion: To understand elderly' experience and behaviors helps to meet their medication related needs and can avoid problems due to improper drug usage.
Keywords : Elderly; Use of medication; Medication experience