Factors Affecting Medication Adherence Research Articles

Factors affecting medication adherence in patients using oral chemotherapy: A descriptive study.

The utilization of oral chemotherapy agents for cancer treatment has witnessed a steady rise in recent years. The pivotal determinant for the success of oral chemotherapy lies in the adherence of cancer patients to the prescribed treatment. This study aims to explore oral chemotherapy adherence and identify factors influencing medication adherence among cancer patients. A total of 103 cancer patients participated in this descriptive study. Data were collected using the Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Scale, the Turkish Translation of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ-T) and The Functional Living Index-Cancer. Of the participants, 66% reported good adherence to oral chemotherapy. Key findings indicate that access to health services (β = -1.473, p = 0.009), cancer stage (β = -1.570, p = 0.015) and the BMQ-T subscale of General Overuse (β = .696, p = 0.041) were independent predictors of medication adherence. The study observed medication non-adherence in one-third of patients undergoing oral chemotherapy. Primary contributors to non-adherence included difficulties in accessing health services, advanced cancer stage and the belief that drugs are over-recommended by doctors. These results underscore the need for a heightened focus on preventable factors, such as improving access to health services and addressing beliefs about drug overuse, to enhance medication adherence in patients receiving oral chemotherapy.

Factors Influencing Medication Adherence in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate medication regimen complexity, social support, and beliefs about medicine as factors related to medication adherence, with the eventual goal of targeting these factors to improve medication adherence in patients undergoing hemodialysis.Methods: This study included 143 patients undergoing hemodialysis (hospitalized or outpatients) from two hospitals located in Daegu city. Data were collected from January 11 to March 31, 2023, using self-reported questionnaires, including the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), medication regimen complexity index, multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and beliefs about medicine. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive tests, the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression via SPSS for Windows version 25.0.Results: Based on the MMAS-8 scores, the prevalence of medication nonadherence was determined to be 53.8%. In hierarchical regression analysis, the factors affecting medication adherence included beliefs about medicine (β=.34, <i>p</i><.001) and social support (β=.30, <i>p</i><.001). The total explanatory power of the regression model was 44% (F=16.83, <i>p</i><.001).Conclusion: Social support and beliefs about medicine can be effective strategies for positively changing medication adherence in patients undergoing hemodialysis. It is essential to establish nursing intervention programs to increase social support and modify beliefs about medicine in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

EVALUATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING COMPLIANCE WITH DISEASE-MODIFYING TREATMENTS IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PATIENTS

Multiple sclerosis is an acquired disabling neurological disease that affects approximately 2.3 million people worldwide, most commonly in young adults. Since MS is a chronic disease, patients need to use long-term treatment. Patients' compliance with treatment is an issue that should be taken into consideration as a priority since it affects the course of the disease and long-term prognosis. Many factors affect treatment compliance. Identifying and correcting adverse factors affects treatment efficacy, safety, and disease outcomes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors affecting the compliance of patients followed in an MS clinic to disease-modifying treatments. 209 MS patients were included in the study, and their age, gender, disease durations, education level, income, medication usage, and the administered way were recorded. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) was applied to the patients with MS. The mean MMAS-8 score was 6.05±1.94. Treatment compliance was 31% low (n=66), 36.4% moderate (n=76), and 32.1% high (n=67). No difference was detected in terms of treatment compliance according to age, gender, disease duration, income level, disease-modifying treatments, and the type and administration way of these treatments (p= 0.074, 0.070, 0.600, 0.976, 0.940, 0.356, 0.249, 0.053, 0.701, respectively). 
 In our study, age, education level, disease duration, treatment option, or route of administration did not affect compliance with disease-modifying treatment in MS patients. Our study results indicate that different factors affecting medication adherence in MS patients need to be explained.

The analysis of factors affecting medication adherence in patients with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study.

Clinically, patients with myasthenia gravis are generally treated with drugs to improve their physical condition, and poor medication adherence can hinder their recovery. Many studies have shown the importance of medication adherence for effective treatment. Various factors may affect a patient's medication adherence; however, studies concerning medication adherence in patients with myasthenia gravis are rare. This study aimed to identify the factors related to medication adherence in patients with myasthenia gravis, and determine the possibility of predicting medication adherence. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among inpatients and outpatients with myasthenia gravis of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China. Data on patient demographics, disease-related characteristics, and medical treatment were collected. We evaluated medication adherence of the patients using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8, Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, and the Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale. We distributed 200 questionnaires and finally retrieved 198 valid questionnaires. A total of 139 (70.2%) women participated in this study, and 81 (40.9%) among the 198 participants were aged 40-59 years. In total, 103 (52.0%) participants exhibited bad adherence to pharmacological treatment, and factors such as taking medication irregularly [odds ratio (OR) = 0.242, 95% CI = 0.093-0.627], the necessity of taking medicine (OR = 1.286, 95% CI = 1.142-1.449), the concerns of taking medicine (OR = 0.890, 95% CI = 0.801-0.988), and the self-efficacy for taking medications under difficult circumstances (OR = 1.194, 95% CI = 1.026-1.389) had statistically significant impacts on medication adherence. Our study shows that taking medication irregularly and concerns of taking medicine are the risk factors for medication adherence. Meanwhile, the necessity of talking medicine and self-efficacy for taking medications under difficult circumstances are the protective factors for medication adherence. Our findings can help medical staff to enhance patients' medication adherence by informing patients necessary medical knowledge, emphasizing the necessity for medication, relieving patients' concerns regarding medication, and improving the self-efficacy for taking medications under difficult circumstances.

MEDICATION ADHERENCE: UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES AMONG THE ELDERLY

This study explores medication adherence challenges in the elderly population, focusing on the complexities and dynamics of managing polypharmacy in a geriatric care setting. The research was conducted in One Stop Home Care Centre, Sri Damai, Kuantan, Malaysia, involving 10 participants aged between 45 and 72. It employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews to assess medication adherence behaviours and the influencing factors. The findings indicate a significant discrepancy between self-reported medication adherence and actual practices. While 50% of participants reported managing a single medication, observational data revealed a more intricate medication regimen, with some managing up to four different medications. The study highlights the critical role of social support systems in promoting medication adherence, with all participants adhering to their prescribed schedules due to robust caregiver involvement. However, 30% reported occasional lapses due to the complexity of their medication regimens. Notably, side effects like headaches and sleepiness were identified as key factors affecting medication adherence, underscoring the need for tailored approaches to manage side effects. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique characteristics and challenges of medication adherence in the elderly, especially in the context of polypharmacy. The research also points out the socio-economic impact of an aging population and the growing demand for age-appropriate healthcare services. It emphasises the need for strategic health policy and planning to cater to the unique needs of the elderly. The findings advocate for comprehensive patient education, shared responsibility between residents and caregivers, and the implementation of systems to monitor medication intake and side effects. The study therefore provides valuable insights into medication adherence among the elderly, highlighting the necessity for personalised interventions and strategies to enhance health outcomes in this demographic. The research also acknowledges limitations, including a one-time visit for data collection and the lack of long-term follow-up, suggesting areas for future research.

Factors affecting adherence to glaucoma medication: Patient perspective from North India.

Adherence to glaucoma medical therapy is a key factor in achieving target intraocular pressure to prevent glaucoma progression. To determine factors affecting medication adherence in glaucoma patients in an urban population belonging to poor socioeconomic status. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients attending glaucoma services in a tertiary referral hospital of North India. Adherence to medication was determined subjectively by questionnaire and objectively by counting the number of used bottles at the end of a month or during refill, whichever was earlier. Patient-related parameters in adherence toward glaucoma medication were studied based on demography, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). The statistical techniques of bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were adopted to test the objective. The population was statistically homogeneous based on gender and income in both groups. A large proportion of patients had bilateral disease (87%) and were on two or more medications (62.5%). Adherence to glaucoma medical therapy was seen in 68% of patients, with knowledge about glaucoma present in 58% of patients. Deterrents to drug adherence were identified as forgetfulness (71%), unavailability of drugs (19%) or funds to purchase the same (26%), polypharmacy (21%), and side effects (5%). Dependence on an escort by 44% and dependence on hospital supply of medications by 60% emerged as the contextual factors requiring scrutiny while prescribing lifelong glaucoma medications. Disease misconceptions (53%) were prevalent and drug instillation practices were unsatisfactory (57%). The study offers insight into patients' perspectives regarding the lifetime use of antiglaucoma medications and focuses on key issues linked to drug nonadherence.

Relationships between health literacy, self-efficacy, and medication adherence in older people with polypharmacy: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study identified the relationships between health literacy, self-efficacy, and medication adherence among older people with polypharmacy and analyzed the factors affecting medication adherence. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a survey of 95 participants who were on five or more drugs, 65 years or older, and visited one community center in Seoul between August 5, 2019 and August 7, 2019. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Tukey test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression via the IBM SPSS 23.0 program. Results: The participants took on average 8.32±3.90 drugs daily. Their health literacy was very low at 3.53±2.07. Self-efficacy and medication adherence were high at 33.63±5.36 and 15.03±3.27, respectively. Health literacy differed based on age and education levels, whereas self-efficacy differed depending on the frequency of medication. No demographic or medication-related factors caused a difference in medication adherence. Health literacy did not correlate with self-efficacy and medication adherence. Self-efficacy showed a negative correlation with medication adherence (r=-.52, p<.001). However, as a lower medication adherence score indicates greater adherence, a negative correlation means higher self-efficacy is linked with better adherence. Self-efficacy influenced medication adherence (β=-0.52, p<.001) with an explanatory power of 27.0% (F=17.01, p<.001) in this group. Also, the negative regression coefficient means higher self-efficacy was associated with better adherence. Conclusion: Medication adherence was generally high, with self-efficacy being the main influencing factor. Hence, intervention programs that promote self-efficacy should be implemented for older people with polypharmacy.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Compliance Taking Medicine for Elderly Hypertension Based Health Belief Models

Entering old age, more and more diseases attack the elderly, including high blood pressure. Most people with hypertension don't know they have hypertension because it has no symptoms, so it's often called the silent killer. Elderly people must adhere to treatment in cases of hypertension, especially by taking antihypertensive drugs. The problem faced by elderly people with hypertension is that most of them do not adhere to their medication. The behavior of following a doctor's advice comes from beliefs or perceptions. The health belief model is one of the theories based on faith. This study aimed to analyze the factors affecting medication adherence in the elderly with hypertension as a function of health belief regimen. This study uses a type of quantitative research. The study design used descriptive analysis with a cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of 107 elderly people with a sample of 100 elderly people with hypertension in the work area of Jenggawah Primary Health Center. The study will be conducted from April to May 2023. The instrument used in the study is a questionnaire. Based on the test results by SPSS using a logistic regression test with α of 0.05, perceived susceptibility p-value of 0.003, p-value of perceived severity of 0.036, p-value of perceived benefit is 0.682 observed, perceived barriers are found to be p-value 0.216, self-efficacy p value 0.081, cues to action p value 0.746. Based on the study results, it can be concluded that there is an influence of the perception of susceptibility and the perception of severity on the adherence to drug treatment in the elderly with hypertension.

The effects of concealment of epilepsy on medication adherence in people with epilepsy: A cross-sectional study

AimAdherence to antiseizure medication is of great importance in achieving seizure control and maintaining well-being for people with epilepsy. Therefore, it is important to assess medication adherence and factors affecting medication adherence in this patient group. This study aims to examine the effects of concealment of epilepsy on medication adherence in people with epilepsy. MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 220 people with epilepsy. Data were collected using a patient information form, the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8), and the Concealment of Epilepsy Scale (CES) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 49.84 ± 9.43 years, and 53.6% of them were male. Their mean MMAS-8 score was 4.25 ± 1.99%, and 72.3% had low medication adherence. Additionally, their mean CES score was 49.84 ± 9.43. The CES scores of the participants negatively predicted their MMAS-8 scores (p < 0.05), and medication adherence was positively predicted by female gender, the duration of diagnosis, the single administration of drugs per day, and employment status, whereas it was negatively predicted by the annual number of seizures (F=19.256, p < 0.001). ConclusionIn this study, people with epilepsy were found to have low medication adherence and a high tendency to conceal epilepsy. Furthermore, the tendency to conceal epilepsy had a negative effect on medication adherence. ImplicationsPsychosocial interventions aimed at reducing the tendency to conceal epilepsy can contribute to medication adherence in people with the condition.

Assessment of medication adherence among Lebanese adult patients with non-communicable diseases during COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study.

Medical treatment is considered a cornerstone in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) management, lack of adherence remains the main challenge that may compromise optimal therapeutic outcome achievement. This study aimed to evaluate treatment adherence levels and associated factors among Lebanese adult patients with non-communicable diseases. A cross-sectional survey conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown imposed by the Lebanese Government (between September 2020 and January 2021) enrolled 263 adult patients through an anonymous online questionnaire to assess adherence to medications using the Lebanese Medication Adherence Scale (LMAS-14). Of the total sample, 50.2% showed low adherence with a total mean adherence score of 4.41 ± 3.94. The results showed that depression (β = 1.351) and peptic ulcer (β = 1.279) were significantly associated with higher LMAS scores (lower adherence). However, age between 50 and 70 (β = -1.591, p = 0.011), practicing physical exercise (β = -1.397, p = 0.006), having kidney disease (β = -1.701, p = 0.032), and an intermediate (β = -1.336, p = 0.006) to high income (β = -3.207, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower LMAS scores (higher adherence). Our study shed light on the factors affecting medication adherence in patients with non-communicable diseases. It showed that depression and peptic ulcer were associated with lower adherence, contrary to older age, exercising, having chronic kidney disease, and a higher socioeconomic status.

Determinant factors of treatment adherence of hypertensive patients in a rural area of Indonesia

Background: The surging prevalence of hypertension due to lifestyle brought forth an increase in degenerative diseases. Adherence is important in achieving the effectiveness of therapy. This study aims to analyze the factors affecting medication adherence in patients with hypertension. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 20-24 February 2023 at Turirejo Village, Lawang District, Malang, Indonesia. Participants were hypertensive patients currently receiving treatment. The MMAS-8 questionnaire was used to classify adherence to medication for hypertension. Analysis with binary logistic regression test was performed on variables to display odds ratio values was conducted at a significance level of p&lt;0.05. Results: A total of 37 adults diagnosed with hypertension participated in this study. Patients were dominantly consisting of elderly (≥ 56 years old; 73.0%) and females (86.0%). Seventy-six percent of patients have low adherence, twenty-four percent of patients have moderate adherence, and no patient has high adherence. Duration of illness, knowledge, and attitude variables significantly affect adherence (low and moderate) to medication for hypertension. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with a duration of illness above 10 years (Adjusted OR 18.27; 95% CI 1.72-194.47; p-value 0.016) and positive attitude towards treatment (Adjusted OR 12.76; 95% CI 1.25-130.40; p-value 0.032, respectively) increase the possibility of moderate adherence towards the medication of hypertension. Conclusion: Improvements in factors that affect adherence to hypertension treatment are needed to increase the success of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Program. Further research in identifying factors of economic capacity and access to health service providers is needed to validate the results of this study.

Factors Affecting Immunosuppressive Medication Adherence in Liver Transplant Recipients with Poor Adherence: A Qualitative Study.

Preserving graft functions and preventing rejection is closely related to immunosuppressive medication adherence in liver transplant recipients. Therefore, it is essential to determine factors affecting immunosuppressive medication use positively or negatively in liver transplant recipients. This study aimed to explore the use of immunosuppressive medication experience in liver transplant recipients with poor adherence and reveal the factors affecting the medication adherence. The study was conducted as a qualitative study with phenomenological approach. Seven adult liver transplant recipients were included in this study, who had poor adherence to immunosuppressive medication. Data was collected via in-depth personal interviews. Data analysis was conducted through inductive content analysis with three steps of preparation, organization, and reporting phases. Content analysis revealed four main categories, nine categories and 31 sub-categories. Four main categories emerged from the interview data: medication adherence perception, types of medication non-adherence, factors affecting medication adherence negatively and factors affecting medication adherence positively. This study explored that there are several factors affecting immunosuppressive medication adherence among liver transplant recipients, both positively and negatively. In order to achieve liver transplant recipients' total adherence to immunosuppressive medication, the factors affecting medication adherence positively and negatively should be understood. The study results are expected to contribute developing strategies to improve immunosuppressive medication adherence in liver transplant recipients.

Factors influencing medication adherence in multi-ethnic Asian patients with chronic diseases in Singapore: A qualitative study.

Background: Poor medication adherence can lead to adverse health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Although reasons for medication adherence have been widely studied, less is explored about factors affecting medication adherence for patients in non-Western healthcare setting and from Asian cultures. This study aimed to explore cultural perspectives on factors influencing medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases in a multi-ethnic Asian healthcare setting. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with patients with chronic conditions purposively recruited from a community hospital in Singapore until data saturation was achieved. A total of 25 patients participated in this study. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed. Themes were subsequently mapped into the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework of Medication Adherence. Results: Participants commonly perceived that sides effects (therapy-related dimension), poor understanding of medication (patient-related dimension), limited knowledge of condition (patient-related dimension), forgetfulness (patient-related dimension) and language issues within a multi-ethnic healthcare context (healthcare team and system-related dimension) as the main factors contributing to medication adherence. Importantly, medication adherence was influenced by cultural beliefs such as the notion of modern medicines as harms and fatalistic orientations towards escalation of doses and polypharmacy (patient-related dimension). Participants made various suggestions to foster adherence, including improved patient-physician communication, enhanced care coordination across providers, use of language familiar to patients, patient education and empowerment on the benefits of medication and medication adjustment. Conclusion: A wide range of factors influenced medication adherence, with therapy- and patient-related dimensions more pronounced compared to other dimensions. Findings demonstrated the importance of cultural beliefs that may influence medication adherence. Future efforts to improve medication adherence should consider a person-centered approach to foster more positive health expectations and self-efficacy on medication adherence, supplemented with routine reviews, development of pictograms and cultural competence training for healthcare professionals.

Factors Associated with Medication Adherence in Elderly Individuals with Tuberculosis: A Qualitative Study.

This qualitative study was conducted in two phases, using an integrative literature review and individual interviews. Studies were gathered without time restriction from MEDLINE databases, Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), Google Scholar, Scopus, and EMBASE, as well as national databases, including Scientific Information Database and Magiran. The findings of 38 studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed through the conventional content analysis method based on the ecological approach. After reviewing and forming the data matrix, purposive sampling was performed among healthcare professionals, elderly tuberculosis patients aged 60 and over, and family caregivers of elderly patients to conduct individual interviews. Data obtained from 20 interviews were analyzed using the directed content analysis method. After coding, the data from individual interviews were entered based on similarity and difference in the categories of data matrix obtained from the literature review. In general, the aforementioned codes were placed in four main categories, including individual factors (i.e., biological factors, affective-emotional factors, behavioral factors, cognitive factors, tuberculosis-related factors, and economic factors), interpersonal factors (i.e., patient's relationship with treatment team and family-related factors), factors related to healthcare service provider centers (i.e., medical centers' facilities and capacity building in healthcare service provider), and extraorganizational factors (i.e., social factors and health policymaking). The results of this study showed that medication adherence in elderly patients with tuberculosis was a complex and multidimensional phenomenon. Therefore, society, policymakers, and healthcare providers should scrutinize the factors affecting medication adherence in this group of patients to plan and implement more effective interventions.

Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors Affecting Treatment Adherence in Adults with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.

This study aims to explore sociodemographic and clinical factors affecting medication adherence in adults with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and elicit dysfunctional domains and comorbidities with a focus on gender differences. Patients were recruited from 2 specialty clinics using chart records in a natural treatment design. Adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder self-report scale, Diagnostic Interview for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in adults, was applied. Adherence is defined if the patient declared ≥80% adherence to medication throughout the last 8-12 weeks. From 205 attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder patients (male = 112 female = 93 (age (median) min-max = 29 (18-56)), 29% were non-adherent to attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder medication. In the multivariate analysis, having 2 or more comorbid disorders (P = .009), dysfunctions in academic/work (P = .049), and dysfunctions in family and other relationships (P = .047) increased the likelihood of adherence. Adherence rates did not significantly differ between methylphenidate and atomoxetine (P = .405). Women were more likely to have 2 or more comorbid psychiatric disorders (P = .004) and dysfunctions in social relationships (P = .001), free time activities, hobbies (P < .001), self-confidence, and self-image (P < .001). Nearly one-third of adult patients with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder did not adhere to medication treatment. Comorbid psychiatric disorders and dysfunctions in life domains appear to increase the likelihood of adherence to attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder medications, possibly through increasing motivation for treatment. The effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy on compliance with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder medication should further be explored with prospective controlled studies. We suggest that future longitudinal studies use objective measures of adherence and confirm the role of dysfunctional life domains and comorbid psychiatric disorders as correlates of medication adherence.

Blood Pressure Profile and Factors Affecting Medication Adherence in Older Persons with Hypertension in Two Care Centers

Blood Pressure Profile and Factors Affecting Medication Adherence in Older Persons with Hypertension in Two Care Centers

Addressing Race, Ethnicity, and Structural Inequality in Pharmacology Education and Assessment

OBJECTIVESocial determinants of health, including race, ethnicity, and gender, represent important factors in health care delivery and patient outcomes, and contribute to health disparities. Pharmacology, as an integrated discipline, lies at the nexus between foundational science and clinical practice, providing a platform for educators to discuss the impact of social determinants on patient outcomes. Our goal is to create a framework that provides guidance for topics in pharmacotherapeutics for educators, learners, and providers to use in promoting antiracism in medical curricula.METHODSThrough iterative discussions, we developed a conceptual framework that includes topics taught across medical schools, such as drug metabolism, pharmacogenomics, adverse drug reactions, prescribing guidelines, factors affecting medication adherence, pain management, and therapeutic outcomes. Under each topic, we describe how social constructs such as race, ethnicity, and gender can impact pharmacology and therapeutic outcomes.RESULTSLiterature reports show that some topics in pharmacology education have already established cultural competency and should be adopted widely by all pharmacology educators, e.g., using more appropriate terminology for drug reactions such as vancomycin‐infusion reaction. Other topics are less established, so a more nuanced discussion with students is required. Society guidelines for managing diseases such as hypertension include prescribing recommendations based on race, with which learners are expected to be familiar as they enter clinical training but are actively being debated. Similarly, inter‐ethnic differences in drug metabolism are often reported as a function of genetic polymorphisms without considering non‐genetic factors.CONCLUSIONSWe have developed a conceptual framework for promoting antiracism in pharmacology education by categorizing topics based on those where cultural competencies are clearly established and those where a more nuanced discussion is required with learners, as well as identifying and reducing bias in assessment. These are generalizable across health professions in which pharmacology education is a discipline in the curriculum.

Medication Adherence in Chronic Older Patients: An Italian Observational Study Using Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5I).

Background: the world population is aging, and the prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing. Chronic diseases affect the quality of life of patients and contribute toward increased healthcare costs if patients do not adhere to treatment. This study defines the medication adherence levels of patients with chronic diseases. Methods: an observational cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients aged 65 years and older with chronic diseases were included in this study. The medication adherence report scale was used. Results: overall, 98 patients aged 65 years and older were included. The mean age of responders was 78.65 years. Study population: 71.43% were always adherent; 9.79% often adherent; 14.89% sometimes adherent; 3.87% rarely adherent; and 1% never adherent. The internal consistency of the MARS-5I was good: Cronbach’s alfa value of 0.77. Conclusions: the MARS-5I is an effective self-report instrument to measure the medication adherence of patients. However, further studies are needed to explore factors affecting medication adherence to avoid clinical consequences for patients and high healthcare costs for healthcare facilities. Healthcare communication could be improved to ensure better transitional care.

The effect of insight, loneliness, and hope levels on medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia.

It is important to investigate the negative factors affecting medication compliance to continue the treatment of schizophrenia. In this descriptive and analytical study, the effects of insight, loneliness, and hope levels on medication adherence in 202 patients with schizophrenia were studied. The correlation was positive between medication adherence and insight, negative between medication adherence and loneliness, and no correlation between medication adherence and hope. A 1-point increase in insight scores increased medication adherence 1.226 times and a 1-point increase in loneliness scores decreased medication adherence 0.946 times. Medication adherence was 0.499 times lower in nonsmokers compared to smokers. Further studies on patients with schizophrenia should be conducted to evaluate factors affecting medication adherence and preventing smoking in schizophrenia.

An Empirical Study on Factors Affecting Medication Adherence in Outpatients with Depression: From the Perspective of Medication Support for Patients Using Pharmacies

An Empirical Study on Factors Affecting Medication Adherence in Outpatients with Depression: From the Perspective of Medication Support for Patients Using Pharmacies