A descriptive study of factors associated with anti-fungal medication adherence among patients with dermatophytosis

Abstract

The prevalence of superficial Mycotic infection worldwide is 20–25%. Medication non-adherence in patients leads to worsening of the disease, death and increased health care costs. More than 30% of medicine-related hospital admissions occur due to medication non-adherence. The aim of the study is assessing the factors associated with medication adherence in patients with dermatophytosis. Data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis of 305 patients attending the dermatology department. The period of study was three months. Medication adherence was determined using Morisky Green Levine Scale for dermatophytosis patients who are undergoing treatment. KAP (knowledge, attitude, practice) was used to determine the knowledge gaps, general health practice, and beliefs of the patient towards fungal infection. It was found that 47.86% of the subjects in the study are non- adherent and 49.50% are moderate adherents, and only 2.62% are highly adherent to medications prescribed. In KAP study, it was found that (14.4%) strongly agree that fungal infection does not create hindrance in normal life, while (28.85%) strongly disagree. Practice where analyzed in 305 subjects, (52.13%) share clothing with family members or friends, (50.16%) do not take medication as prescribed. The patient affected with fungal infections had poor adherence to the medicines prescribed. The risk factors affecting medication adherence are poor hygiene, sharing of cloths of friends or family, dosing schedule, complex regimens, access barriers, and cost of the drug. Patient education, in the early stages of fungal infection, can avoid non- adherence.