Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
5-2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Dr. Elena Bastida
Second Advisor
Dr. Kelly Himmel
Third Advisor
Dr. Guanz-Zhen Wang
Abstract
Given the current and projected rises in prescription drug use among the elderly in the United States and the current and projected rises in prescription drug costs, this research attempts to examine this national trend within the specific context of poverty and rurality manifested in Starr County, Texas. Starr County offers an ideal naturalistic laboratory for examining demographic predictors for improper medication use in the United States, poverty and rural residence. Hence within this context of poverty and rural location, the following questions are posited for investigation in Starr County. To what extent do high drug costs and low incomes hinder the elderly in following prescription regimens and physician recommendations for obtaining and maintaining optimal health and what strategies do the elderly in Starr County use and implement in order to achieve a balance between adherence to a proper medication regimen necessary to maintain their health and adherence due to poverty?
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2005 Romeo Garcia Jr. All Rights Reserved.
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