Association of inability to secure timely medical appointment and medication non-adherence among cancer survivors in the US.

Abstract

e18595 Background: Access to health care is defined as the “timely use of personal health services to achieve the best possible health outcomes.” Cancer survivors have higher health care utilization than individuals without a history of cancer, yet studies examining health care access and its impact on medication adherence in this population are lacking. Methods: Study data were derived from the National Health Interview Survey. The prevalence of reports of inability to secure timely medical appointment among cancer survivors was estimated by respondent characteristics. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between inability to secure timely medical appointment and medication non-adherence among Cancer Survivors in the US. Results: Respondents were a total of 2,590 cancer survivors, of which 8.9% (n = 225) reported inability to secure timely medical appointment. The prevalence of reports of inability to secure timely medical appointment were higher among those without insurance coverage (17.3%), earning income < $34,999 (12.3%), those aged 18-45 years (15.9%), American Indian natives (32.2%), and females (10.4%). The odds of skipping medication to save money was almost four-fold higher for cancer survivors who were unable to secure timely medical appointment (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.84; 95% CI: 2.19-6.74), compared to those who did not experience delays securing medical appointment. Similarly, the odds of taking less medication to save money was almost five-fold higher for cancer survivors who were unable to secure timely medical appointment (aOR 4.99; 95% CI: 2.83-8.77), compared to those who did not experience delays securing medical appointment. The association remained significant even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Conclusions: This study found a significant association between inability to secure timely medical appointment and medication non-adherence among cancer survivors in the United States. These findings highlight the importance of timely medical care for cancer survivors and the potential consequences of delay in getting medical appointments, such as medication non-adherence. Interventions aimed at reducing delay in accessing medical care and improving medication adherence may improve outcomes among cancer survivors.