Adherence to aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in Hispanic patients with early stage breast cancer.

Abstract

70 Background: Adherence to Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) is essential for the effective prevention of breast cancer recurrence. We sought to evaluate adherence to AIs as well as possible factors behind non-adherence in a large American-Mexican border city with predominantly Hispanic population. Methods: After IRB approval, women with Stages I-III breast cancer treated at the Texas Tech breast care center in El Paso, TX were included if they were receiving adjuvant AI therapy. We utilized the validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) to determine AI compliance. In addition, a question to indicate reasons for noncompliance was added. Results: 87 patients were enrolled, median age was 61 years; 78 (90%) were identified as Hispanic. The majority of participants were women of low socioeconomic status 53 (61%) with an annual income of < $15,000. MMAS-8 results showed 35 (40%) patients admitted to forgetting to take their AI pill. Additionally, 71 (82%) of the patients denied forgetting to take the AI pill within the past two weeks. 11 (13%) patients admitted to sometimes having difficulty remembering to take their AI medication, and 74 (85%) stated never or rarely having difficulty remembering to take their AI medication. 50 (57.5%) patients provided a reason why they did not take their AI pill, 35 (40%) cited forgetfulness, 14 (17%) cited other reasons including cost, limited insurance coverage, lack of transportation involved in obtaining the medication and timely prescription refills, and only 1(1%) due to side effects. Conclusions: Non-adherence to AI appears to be prevalent among Hispanic patients with breast cancer. Main causes of noncompliance are forgetfulness and financial reasons. Healthcare providers could reinforce educating patients about the importance of compliance. Financial assistance may also be helpful in improving AI compliance. Clinical trial information: NCT03144037.