Evaluation of Medication Adherence among Elderly Patients at the time of stroke Onset in Southeast Rajasthan

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide after ischemic heart disease. Socioeconomic burden of stroke can be reduced by proper treatment of modifiable risk factors and maintaining adherence to treatment. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with non-adherence to treatment of modifiable risk factors in elderly stroke patients. Methods: Prospective observational study with 100 acute ischemic stroke patients admitted in Neurology department, Government Medical College Kota between June to September 2018. Risk factors for stroke and reasons for non-adherence to anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics and antiplatelet agents were studied in detail. Results: Various modifiable risk factors for stroke present in study subjects were smoking (35%), alcoholism (16%), hypertension (82%) and diabetes mellitus (23%). Past history of stroke was present in 14% cases. Total 59 patients were non-adherent to treatment. Reasons for non-adherence include poor knowledge (47%), superstitious belief (32%), intentional withdrawal (25%), due to miscommunication (12%), pill burden (7%), side effects (3%), pill size (1%) and poor family care(1%). Conclusions: Understanding of various factors associated with medication intake and creating awareness among patient could help in medication adherence.