Prevalence and predictors of medication adherence among adult cardiovascular diseases patients in al-Madinah

Abstract

Background: Nonadherence to the medication schedule is common in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and may have serious consequences including increased costs, hospital admissions, and death. Aim: In this study, we investigated the prevalence and associated factors of nonadherence in cardiovascular patients in Al-Madinah/Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at tertiary cardiac center in Al-Madinah. Subjects and Methods: Study variables including sociodemographic characteristics and disease factors were collected from a random sample of patients attending the CVDs the clinic using a structured questionnaire. Adherence was assessed using the Culig's medication adherence scale. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate factors associated with nonadherence. Results: A total of 200 adult cardiovascular patients completed the study; 100 (50.0%) were males and 186 (93.0%) resided in the city. The result showed that 26.0% (52/200) of the patients were nonadherent to medications, missing between 1 and 4 days of medication per week. Overall, 177 (88.5%) of the patients indicated that a healthcare worker explained the medications to them before dispensing. The most common reasons for nonadherence were: not being at home at the drug-taking time (84.6%), forgetfulness (82.7%), and fear of side effects (46.2%). Independent predictors of nonadherence were being retired (odds ratio [OR] 3.4; 95% confidence interval [C. I.] 1.3–9.4) and being uneducated or having general education (OR 4.7; 95% C. I. 2.0–11.2). Conclusion: Nonadherence rate was high and was found to be dependent upon patient-level factors. The study recommends improved patient education interventions to boost medication adherence in cardiovascular patients. Further studies are recommended.