This study examined the effectiveness of VoxQR (Voice-powered QR codes) in enhancing knowledge and

medication adherence among geriatric hypertensive patients in Koronadal City, where nonadherence to

antihypertensive medication is a common issue due to cognitive decline and difficulty understanding treatment

regimens. A quasi-experimental design was employed, and patients aged 60 and above were selected using

purposive sampling. Data were gathered using a validated questionnaire that measured adherence and knowledge

before and after the intervention. Results showed notable improvements, including a shift in medication

adherence from moderate-low to moderate high levels, increased understanding of medication purpose, dosage,

Medication adherence among elderly hypertensive patients is considered a public health concern, this is given

the incidence of hypertension increasing in most older adults. Studies on nonadherence have linked it to health

complications arising from it such as heightened risks of cardiovascular events and other hospital admissions. It

has been reported by research that in elderly patients, adherence is pretty low-20% to 50% on average

(Yazdanpanah et al., 2019; Saqlain et al., 2019). Contributing factors to this dilemma are cognitive decline,

complex drug regimens, and poor health literacy. Inadequate communication regarding prescription information

makes matters worse, so there is a pressing need for interventions that may be tailored to help in improving

adherence in such vulnerable populations.

The issues involving adherence to medication in the Philippines are both internal and national. Socioeconomic

status contributed much to this issue because a significant number of elderly patients find themselves in financial

Though previous studies have already been done to identify medication adherence among hypertensive patients,

still, significant gaps remain in understanding specific factors influencing adherence within the Filipino geriatric

population. While there are numerous studies that have identified several determinants of medication adherence

around the world, including mental health problems and socioeconomic factors (Poulter et al., 2020;

Uchmanowicz et al., 2019), there is a dearth of localized studies that focus on the interaction of these factors in

the Filipino elderly patient. Moreover, current literature seldom takes into consideration the effect of culturally

untreated (Abalos et al., 2024). This calls for appropriate interventions that target and address the awareness and

adherences among the aged populace. Other indirect benefits of this study are going to be elderly hypertensive

patients who will be benefited by better support for controlling their condition and healthcare professionals who

can use the information available to design culturally appropriate programs for education. Policymakers can also

use insight from this study to shape public health initiatives focused on hypertension management in older adults,

which will lead towards better health outcomes and saving healthcare costs related to the hypertension

complications.

The researcher will then ensure that results are published through different means to impact a larger population.

The researcher will initially prepare results for publication in peer-reviewed journals dealing with geriatric

adherence for geriatric hypertensive patients in Koronadal City. By leveraging this innovative technology, the

study aims to provide elderly patients with accessible and comprehensible medication information, thereby

improving their understanding and management of their treatment regimens.

Vreeland et al. (2022) pointed out that a large number of elderly Filipinos have little understanding of the

functions, dosages, and possible adverse effects of their medications. With the complexity of treatment plans

frequently recommended for treating hypertension, this ignorance can result in drug mistakes and adverse health

outcomes. According to the study, older people typically understand their medical issues, but they frequently

don't fully understand the pharmacological treatments that are available to them. Additionally, Vreeland et al.

antibiotic therapy or the possible repercussions of abuse. Given that older persons commonly use antibiotics to

treat a variety of medical conditions, this ignorance is especially worrisome since they might not completely

appreciate the significance of following recommended regimens or the dangers of self-medication. They contend

that doctors and pharmacists, among other healthcare professionals, are essential in teaching patients about the

appropriate use of antibiotics, possible adverse effects, and the significance of finishing recommended courses

of treatment.

The assessment of medication errors among in-patients in the pulmonary medicine service of a tertiary

government hospital raises serious questions about the effectiveness and safety of drug administration, especially

for elderly patients in the Philippines, according to Abunales et al. (2024). According to the study, agerelated

physiological changes, polypharmacy, and cognitive impairment might make it difficult for older persons to

The study highlights that older patients are often at a higher risk for medication-related issues due to factors

such as polypharmacy, age-related physiological changes, and cognitive impairments. These factors not only

complicate their treatment regimen but also increase the likelihood of adverse drug events. Giron and

CortesMaramba emphasize that medication errors among older adults can stem from several sources, including

inadequate communication between healthcare providers and patients, insufficient patient education regarding

medication use, and the complexities associated with managing multiple prescriptions. Many elderly patients

may not fully understand their medication regimens or the importance of adherence, which can result in missed

doses or incorrect usage.

Perez (2022) asserted that improving older persons' pharmaceutical knowledge, especially when it comes to

treating chronic illnesses like hypertension, requires the inclusion of geriatric content in entry-level physical

along with inadequate levels of awareness, treatment, and management is a serious public health concern.

Hypertension affected about 69.1% of older Filipinos; however, only 61.6% of those who have the ailment are

aware of it, and a startling 51.5% do not receive treatment. This disparity in treatment and knowledge draws

attention to important obstacles that support the ongoing problem of uncontrolled blood pressure in this

population. The study also highlights the critical need for focused public health initiatives to raise older

individuals' knowledge and treatment compliance. Despite existing government programs aimed at addressing

hypertension, the authors advocate for enhanced efforts to engage older Filipinos in these initiatives to ensure

better health outcomes.

The evaluation of patient knowledge regarding traditional cardiac drugs and herbal items among elderly patients

living in the community in the Philippines revealed notable knowledge gaps that may affect medication

understanding their interactions with conventional medications.

The characteristics linked to medication adherence among hypertensive patients in the Philippines provide

important insights into the difficulties older persons encounter in treating their hypertension, claim Gutierrez

and Sakulbumrungsil (2021). The significance of enhancing patient-provider relationships and healthcare

accessibility is one of the writers' main recommendations. They discovered that patients were substantially more

likely to follow their prescription regimens if they reported having better access to healthcare services and having

a good rapport with their healthcare providers. This implies that better adherence rates can result from increased

trust and communication between patients and medical staff. This is especially important for older persons who

can encounter extra obstacles like complicated prescription schedules or cognitive deterioration.

causes of morbidity and mortality. According to Rosa et al., better public health initiatives designed especially

According to Sison, Cawed-Mende, and Oliva (2021), the prevalence, awareness, and treatment profile of adult

Filipino hypertensive individuals reveal critical insights into the management of hypertension in the Philippines.

The authors reported that awareness of hypertension among affected individuals is alarmingly low, with many

not recognizing the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring and management. This lack of awareness

contributes to poor treatment outcomes, as individuals may not seek medical advice or adhere to prescribed

antihypertensive therapies. Furthermore, the study indicated that even among those diagnosed with hypertension,

treatment adherence is often suboptimal due to various factors, including limited access to healthcare services,

According to Yazdanpanah et al. (2019), enhancing medication adherence among geriatric hypertensive patients

Suhat et al. (2022) emphasize that older adults often face unique challenges related to hypertension management,

posits that individuals' perceptions of their susceptibility to a health issue, the severity of that issue, the benefits

of taking action, and the barriers to taking action all play critical roles in determining their health behaviors. In

the context of geriatric patients with hypertension, these perceptions can directly impact their willingness and

ability to adhere to medication regimens. Suhat et al. found that older adults who perceived themselves as

susceptible to the complications of hypertension and recognized the severity of their condition were more likely

to adhere to their medications. Conversely, those who did not understand the risks associated with untreated

hypertension or who believed that their medications would not significantly benefit them were less likely to

follow their prescribed treatment plans. This underscores the importance of effective patient education tailored

specifically for elderly individuals.

According to Oori et al. (2019), enhancing knowledge about medication adherence among geriatric patients with

patients' knowledge about their disease and medication therapy and their adherence levels. Patients with a better

Poulter et al. (2020), Medication adherence is essential for managing hypertension effectively. Poor adherence

is a significant contributor to uncontrolled blood pressure, which can lead to serious health complications,

including cardiovascular diseases and increased mortality rates. The article emphasizes that despite the

availability of effective antihypertensive medications, adherence rates remain suboptimal, with estimates

suggesting that less than 50% of patients adhere to their prescribed regimens one year after initiation of therapy.

patients. Patients with higher levels of health literacy are better equipped to understand their medications,

including dosage, timing, and potential side effects, which directly influences their adherence rates. Various

lack of motivation.

condition that is common among older persons. Studies have revealed that many hypertension patients have

trouble adhering to their treatment plans, which can result in major health issues. In this process, health literacy

the capacity to find, comprehend, and apply health information is essential (Kilic, Dag, & MSc, 2020). According

to the study, those with hypertension typically had low health literacy. Their comprehension of their illness and

the significance of following prescription schedules was greatly impacted by this deficiency. Patients with lower

health literacy were less likely to understand the implications of non-adherence, which can worsen their health

problems, or the instructions for their medications.