Factors affecting an individual's ability to administer medication.

In this study, the authors identify how well self-care agents function in the self-administration of medication. The sample population included 60 adults who were evaluated on their ability to read three prescription labels and perform the tasks necessary to administer medications correctly. Age, gender, number of medications taken, and type of chronic disease did not contribute significantly to the ability to self-medicate correctly. Complexity of the medication regime and educational level were highly significant. Reading scores improved as educational levels increased; however, all educational groups had consistently lower performance scores compared with reading scores.