Cost-related nonadherence for prescription medications: a cross-sectional study in Jordan

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Cost-related nonadherence to medications is a commonly encountered problem posed by many patients, and specifically among elderly patients who use multiple chronic medications. This study aims to explore the prevalence of medication cost-related nonadherence and its predictors in Jordan. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2019 and May 2019 in Jordan. The CRN questionnaire was used as a measure to assess the prevalence of cost-related nonadherence. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of medication cost-related nonadherence. Results The prevalence rate of CRN was 29.6% (95% CI: 27.0–32.3). Participants who are married or widowed were found to have higher odds of being non-adherent due to medication costs, with an odds ratio of 1.55 (95%CI: 1.19–2.00) and 1.95 (95%CI: 1.20–3.15), respectively. Lower educational level was associated with higher odds of being non-adherent 1.95 (95%CI: 1.25–3.05). Being retired was associated with higher odds of being non-adherent (2.20 (95%CI: 1.49–3.27)). Conclusion Cost-related nonadherence is a common problem in Jordan and was most prevalent among those with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, low-income, and low levels of education. Our findings could help in developing interventions to improve cost-related medication nonadherence in developing countries.