• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.609-621
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• 2021

This study investigates the effect of types of usual source of care on medication adherence among the elderly. Using the Korea Health Panel Survey in 2017, this study includes 3,623 elderly people 65 years of age or older taking prescription drugs for treatment of chronic diseases. The type of usual source of care was considered in three aspects: whether having a usual source of care or not, whether having a regular site only or having a regular site and doctor, size of the regular site. The types of usual source of care are heavily associated with medication adherence. Compared to those who have no usual source of care, those who have a regular site only are 1.4 times, and have both regular site and doctor are 1.8 times more likely to comply with the medication guidelines, respectively. The finding shows usual source of care has a positive effect in improving medication adherence of the elderly. The results can provide an evidence for policies for effective management of chronic diseases and efficient use of medical resources.