Americans age 40 and older with a prescription for a chronic condition get a troubling C+ grade for their medication adherence, according to a national survey released today by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

In addition to establishing non-adherence levels, the survey, produced for the NCPA by Langer Research Associates, identifies the key predictors of patients’ compliance with their medication instructions, including having a personal connection with pharmacy staff, affordability, continuity in health care, presence of side effects and awareness of the importance of taking medications as directed. The study proposes steps for pharmacists and health care providers to seek to reduce non-adherence, given its costs and health risks alike.

See the full report here.