Assessment of Adherence with Lifestyle Modification and Drug Regimen: To Develop a Mobile App

Abstract

Introduction: WHO (2003) estimates that only about 50% of patients with chronic diseases follow treatment recommendations. Non-adherence to lifestyle modification and medication regimen among Coronary Heart disease CHD patients post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a major area of concern. It is essential for post CABG patients to adhere with the prescribed regimen to prevent complications and to save their life. Smart phone applications have the potential to address the complexity of non-adherence behaviour regarding both medical treatments and lifestyle modification. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the level of adherence with lifestyle modifications and drug regimen, to identify factors contributing to adherence with lifestyle modifications and drug regimen among post CABG patients to establish association between adherence with lifestyle modification and drug regimen and selected socio-demographic variables i.e. age, sex, education, income and marital status and to develop and disseminate mobile application for modifying lifestyle and improving adherence to drug regimen. Methodology: A descriptive research design included 50 post CABG patients who were attending cardiac surgery OPD during data collection period and were selected by purposive sampling technique. Data was gathered through interview schedule and was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using software SPSS 10. Results: It showed that more than half of the subjects (52%) were non-adherent to lifestyle modification and only (48%) were adherent to lifestyle modification. Study also revealed that majority of subjects (80%) were adherent to drug regimen and only (20%) were non-adherent to drug regimen. Among factors contributing to adherence, knowledge about importance of adherence to diet and exercise were having most significance. Busy schedule found to be an important factor affecting adherence to exercise regimen. Motivational factors like support from family member or partner in following diet exercise and drug regimen were found very significant. There were no significant association found between selected variables i.e. age, sex, education, income, marital status of subjects and their level of adherence. Conclusion: The study concluded that the majority of the subjects were non-adherent to lifestyle modification but majority of them are adherent to drug regimen. Among factors contributing to adherence, knowledge, time, motivation, beliefs and forgetfulness were significant. There were no significant association found between level of adherence and selected socio-demographic variables.