Published Paper Details:

This prospective observational pilot study evaluated the prescribing patterns of antiplatelet therapy, medication adherence, and quality of life among 39 geriatric ischemic stroke patients aged >=65 years receiving secondary preventive treatment. Patients were categorized into three age groups (65-74, 75-84, and >=85 years). Prescribing patterns were assessed from case records, medication adherence was measured using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS-10) before and one month after pharmacist-led counselling, and quality of life was evaluated using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) scale. Aspirin monotherapy was the most frequently prescribed antiplatelet agent across all age groups, while clopidogrel and dual antiplatelet therapy were used selectively based on clinical characteristics and recurrent stroke risk. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus were the comorbidities, with treatment reflecting evidence-based management. Medication adherence was poor before counselling but improved significantly after pharmacist intervention, accompanied by enhanced stroke-specific quality of life. These findings emphasize the importance of individualized antiplatelet therapy, comprehensive management of comorbidities, and the vital role of clinical pharmacists in improving adherence and therapeutic outcomes among geriatric ischemic stroke patients.