Levels Of Treatment Adherence Research Articles

Determinants of virological failure among HIV clients on second-line antiretroviral treatment at Felege-hiwot and University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospitals in the Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia: A case-control study.

Second-line HIV treatment failure has become increasing worldwide, mainly in sub-Sahara Africa including Ethiopia. Even though the problem becomes increasing, inadequate information was available about its magnitude and associated factors in the current study area. To assess the factors of second-line Anti-Retroviral Treatment virological failure among second-line ART users. Institutional-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted from September to December 2021 at Felege Hiowt and University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals; Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 216 patients (60 cases and 156 controls) were recruited by a simple random sampling technique with a 1:3 cases-to-controls ratio. Patients who had two viral load results >1000 copies/ml within a 3-month interval after taking ART drugs for at least 6 months were cases and those who had ≤1,000 copies/ mL were controls. The sample size was calculated by using Epi-Info version 7.2.4. Structured questionnaires were used to gather the required information. SPSS version 26 was used to summarize the findings. In bivariate logistic regression model, Variables with two-tailed P-value ≤ 0.25 at 95% confidence interval were transferred into multivariate binary logistic regression model and P value at ≤ 0.05 was set as statistically significant. Out of 216 patients recruited, 212 have participated with a response rate of 98.2%. From these participants, 117(55.2%) were males and 187(88.2%) were urban dwellers. Among the total respondents, 208(98.1%) had age > 24 years, 200(94.3) were at HIV clinical stage I, 72(34%) had poor ART adherence and 112(52.8) did not disclose their HIV status. Likewise, most of the patients 147(69.37) didn't use condoms. The associated factors were not disclosing HIV status (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.52-7.79), medium adherence (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.3-10.7), poor adherence level (AOR = 5.27, 95% CI: 2.2-12.5), not using condoms (AOR = 4.47, 95% CI: 1.63-12.2) and Viral load (>150 copies/ml) when switched to second-line ART (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.5-8). Non-disclosure, poor or medium adherence, not using condoms and high Viral load (>150 copes/ml) when switched to second-line ART were the main factors for second-line Anti-Retroviral Treatment virological failure. Disclosure about HIV status, using condoms and improving treatment adherence level are crucial to reduce second-line virological failure.

Treatment adherence among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Jolo

This study assessed the level of treatment adherence among pulmonary tuberculosis patients at the Rural Health Unit-Jolo in terms of disease awareness, health care support, and family support. With 33 samples taken through non-probability sampling method via purposive sampling, and with the use of weighted mean, standard deviation, t-test for independent samples, One-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s r, this study reveals the following findings:1) Of the 100 respondents, mostly are male, married within the age range of 30 years old & below, and with high school of education; 2) On the average, patients at Rural Health Unit-Jolo are perceived to have moderate adherence to treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis; 3) Generally, unlike age and civil status, variables such as gender and educational attainment do not significantly mediate in ways how respondents assessed the levels of treatment adherence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis patient at Rural Health Unit-Jolo; 4) Generally, the group of respondents who assessed the level of treatment adherence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis patient at Rural Health Unit-Jolo, in the context of disease awareness as Moderate Adherent is mostly probably the same group of respondents who assessed the level of treatment adherence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis patient at Rural Health Unit-Jolo, in the context of disease awareness in contexts of Family Support and Healthcare Support as Moderate Adherent, respectively; and 5) This study seems to support Health Belief Model (HBM) by Edward C. Green and Elaine Murphy (2020) elucidates the cognitive processes influencing nurses’ behaviors in the context of infection control.

Exploring Lifestyle Factors and Treatment Adherence among Older Adults with Hypertension Attending a Mobile Health Unit (MHU) in a Rural Area of Central Portugal.

This cross-sectional and analytical study aimed to characterize a sample of hypertensive older adults attending a Mobile Health Unit (MHU) in a rural area of central Portugal according to their lifestyle and to analyze the impact of lifestyles on treatment adherence. The sample comprised 235 Portuguese hypertense patients, mainly females (63.8%) with a mean age of 75 years (±8.14 years) and low level of education. The data collection was carried out through a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions, dietary variables, an Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Version), a Nutrition Health Determination Questionnaire, a Self-Care with Hypertension Scale, and an Adherence to Treatments Measurement Scale. Only 34.5% of the hypertensive patients have controlled blood pressure values (28.2% men and 38% women). However, more than half (56.2%) of the hypertensive patients are classified as adherent to therapeutic measures. The hypertensive individuals, who present higher levels of adherence to the treatment, do not present alcohol dependence, are frequent consumers of aromatic herbs, sporadically consume salt, present good nutritional health, and practice moderate physical activity. The predictor variables for treatment adherence are the self-care dimensions general dietary (p = 0.001), specific dietary (p = 0.034), physical activity (p = 0.031), and antihypertensive medication intake (p < 0.001). Hypertensive patients with healthier lifestyles present better levels of treatment adherence. Therefore, promoting physical activity and healthy dietary practices is necessary to improve treatment adherence and increase antihypertensive treatment's effectiveness.

High prevalence of pre-treatment and acquired HIV-1 drug resistance mutations among non-citizens living with HIV in Botswana.

Approximately 30,000 non-citizens are living with HIV in Botswana, all of whom as of 2020 are eligible to receive free antiretroviral treatment (ART) within the country. We assessed the prevalence of HIV-1 mutational profiles [pre-treatment drug resistance (PDR) and acquired drug resistance (ADR)] among treatment-experienced (TE) and treatment-naïve (TN) non-citizens living with HIV in Botswana. A total of 152 non-citizens living with HIV were enrolled from a migrant HIV clinic at Independence Surgery, a private practice in Botswana from 2019-2021. Viral RNA isolated from plasma samples were genotyped for HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) using Sanger sequencing. Major known HIV drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in the pol region were determined using the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database. The proportions of HIV DRMs amongst TE and TN non-citizens were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and compared between the two groups. A total of 60/152 (39.5%) participants had a detectable viral load (VL) >40 copies/mL and these were included in the subsequent analyses. The median age at enrollment was 43 years (Q1, Q3: 38-48). Among individuals with VL > 40 copies/mL, 60% (36/60) were treatment-experienced with 53% (19/36) of them on Atripla. Genotyping had a 62% (37/60) success rate - 24 were TE, and 13 were TN. A total of 29 participants (78.4, 95% CI: 0.12-0.35) had major HIV DRMs, including at least one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) associated DRM. In TE individuals, ADR to any antiretroviral drug was 83.3% (20/24), while for PDR was 69.2% (9/13). The most frequent DRMs were nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) M184V (62.1%, 18/29), NNRTIs V106M (41.4%, 12/29), and K103N (34.4%, 10/29). No integrase strand transfer inhibitor-associated DRMs were reported. We report high rates of PDR and ADR in ART-experienced and ART-naïve non-citizens, respectively, in Botswana. Given the uncertainty of time of HIV acquisition and treatment adherence levels in this population, routine HIV-1C VL monitoring coupled with HIVDR genotyping is crucial for long-term ART success.

Factors that influence medication adherence in women with fibromyalgia: A path analysis.

To investigate the relationships between depression symptoms, perceived stigma, disease severity, patient-provider communication and medication adherence in fibromyalgia patients. The objectives were to explore how these factors influence treatment adherence and to develop a comprehensive model illustrating their interconnections. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome with fatigue, sleep issues and idiopathic pain. Medication adherence is limited by insufficient symptom relief, side effects and costs. Stigma further complicates fibromyalgia. Disease severity affects patient-provider communication. Associations between depression, stigma, severity, communication and adherence in fibromyalgia are unclear. A cross-sectional, correlational study. The STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies were followed. Participants included Hebrew-speaking participants who were members of two Facebook groups: 'Shades of Purple' and 'Fibromyalgia- Get to Know!' Between February and April 2022. They undertook evaluations using The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to gauge depression symptoms, assessed perceived stigma, utilised The Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire to determine disease severity, employed The Patient Reaction Assessment questionnaire for patient-provider communication, and used the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Associations between the variables were explored using Pearson's correlations and path analyses. The study included 141 women with fibromyalgia, aged 22 to 76 years. Most reported having a stable partner (69.5%) and 75.2% had children. The treatment adherence levels were as follows: 53.2% (N = 75)-low, 33.3% (N = 47)-medium and 13.5% (N = 19)-high. Depression positively correlated with stigma. Stigma negatively correlated with patient-provider communication. Patient-provider communication positively correlated with treatment adherence. A significant negative indirect effect of depression on treatment adherence through stigma and patient-provider communication was found. Perceived stigma and patient-provider communication played a mediating role in the relationships between depression and treatment adherence among women with fibromyalgia. Addressing stigma related to fibromyalgia and effective patient-provider communication can positively influence treatment adherence. No patient or public contribution.

Telenursing Intervention for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients - A Scoping Review.

Management of care for people with Pulmonary TB at home using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and innovative approaches, such as tools for telecommunications online education. In the nursing sector, the use of telecommunications is called telenursing. The purpose of this study is to determine the types of telecommunications-based interventions, especially telenursing, in monitoring the level of treatment adherence in patients with pulmonary TB. This study used a scoping review method approach to determine the type of telecommunications-based interventions, especially telenursing, in monitoring the level of treatment adherence in patients with pulmonary TB. Literature distribution using several sources, namely EBSCOhost, Scopus (Elsevier), and PubMed. To facilitate obtaining appropriate literature, PICO techniques are used in conducting literature searches, P (population/problem/patient), I (intervention, prognostic factor, exposure), C (comparison, control), and O (outcome). Keywords used in English "Tuberculosis OR Pulmonary Tuberculosis AND Telehealth OR Telehealth Nursing AND Medication Adherence OR Medication Compliance OR Behavior". In total from the 13 articles obtained, the articles used several telehealth to pulmonary TB patients with various implementations, such as the Directly Observed Therapy, Short Course (DOTS) (n = 7). These four implementations have the same goal and support adherence to taking medication and daily recovery in pulmonary TB patients. Overall characteristics of pulmonary TB patients in the reviewed articles are pediatric TB patients (0-14 years), adult TB (18-30 years). A total of 9 studies used a sample population of adult TB patients (18-30 years), TB undergoing Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS), TB receiving medical care and TB patients actively receiving treatment. The most influential effectiveness of telehealth in helping the treatment process of Pulmonary TB patients is Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) because the main focus of the DOTS strategy is patient discovery and cure, priority is given to infectious TB patients without ruling out other types of TB.

Medication Compliance in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: HbA1c and Lipid Profile at Aulia Jombang Clinic 2020

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin secretion or work defects. Poor treatment adherence leads to uncontrolled glycemic levels and complications. Therefore, ensuring patient adherence to therapy and reducing HbA1c and lipid profiles is essential. This research employs an observational, cross-sectional design, using non-probability purposive sampling to select 55 respondents via the Slovin formula. The study examines medication adherence as the independent variable, Hba1c levels, and lipid profile as the dependent variables. Data analysis involves SPSS, utilizing univariate and bivariate methods for ordinal and nominal scales. MMAS-8 questionnaire assesses the knowledge, while data comes from questionnaires and medical records of type 2 DM patients at Aulia Jombang Clinic. Study findings showed notable adherence to treatment, with 38 respondents (60.9%) complying and 17 (30.1%) not. Chi-square tests yielded significance, p values: HbA1c 0.012, LDL 0.035, total cholesterol 0.008, triacylglycerides 0.011, and HDL 0.002, based on MMAS-8 questionnaire data. In conclusion, the results indicate statistical significance (p-value &lt; 0,05), so there is a positive correlation coefficient, indicating that higher levels of treatment adherence are associated with more optimal HbA1c control and lipid profiles.

КЛИНИКО-ЛАБОРАТОРНАЯ ОЦЕНКА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ФАРМАКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ КОМПОЗИЦИИ КОМБИНИРОВАННОГО ДЕЙСТВИЯ ПРИ ЛЕЧЕНИИ ПАРОДОНТИТА У ЛИЦ С НЕДОСТАТОЧНОЙ ПРИВЕРЖЕННОСТЬЮ ЛЕЧЕНИЮ

The treatment of chronic periodontitis is based on a comprehensive approach that includes supportive therapy, which requires patient commitment to treatment. Patient commitment to treatment is enhanced by the use of appropriate therapeutic regimens and the use of medications in the form of fixed combinations.&#x0D; Objective of the study: to assess the clinical effectiveness of a new pharmacological composition for the treatment of chronic periodontitis in patients with insufficient treatment adherence. &#x0D; Materials and methods: a study and treatment were conducted on 92 patients with moderate-severity chronic periodontitis with insufficient treatment adherence (control group, n = 62 – received standard treatment; main group, n = 30 – received standard treatment supplemented with the new pharmacological composition). The level of treatment adherence was determined using the Treatment Adherence Quantification Questionnaire. Comparative assessment of treatment effectiveness in the study groups was conducted dynamically at control points (7, 14 days, 1, 6 months) based on clinical-instrumental data, periodontal tissue condition index assessment (OHI-S, PMA, PI), microcirculation condition (linear and volumetric blood flow velocities, pulsatility index). Disease outcome was recorded after 6 months: compensation, stabilization, or development of a new disease related to the primary one. &#x0D; Results: The main group of patients showed statistically significantly lower PMA and PI index values at all control points. Microcirculation indicators significantly improved at the 14-day, 1-month, and 6-month control points compared to the control group. The recurrence rate after 6 months in the main group was 1.6 times lower than in the control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: The use of a new pharmacological composition for the treatment of chronic periodontitis in patients with insufficient treatment adherence showed clinical effectiveness, leading to longer stabilization of the process and compensation of the condition in over half of the cases.

Specialized Questionnaire of the QAA-25 Questionnaire System for Assessing the Potential Adherence to Treatment of Adolescents Aged 12–14 Years: Reliability and Internal Stability

The aim of the study is assess the reliability, internal stability and effectiveness of adaptation of individual questions of the QAA-25 questionnaire to assess the potential adherence to treatment of persons aged 12–14 years, in comparison with a similar QAA-25 questionnaire for persons aged 15–17 years. Material and Methods. In a descriptive observational study, including 314 students of general schools in Omsk the level of treatment adherence was determined using the QAA-25 questionnaire, using traditional and alternative formulations of individual questions. Results. For adolescents aged 12–14 years a good diagnostic value was shown higher individual testing quality (absence of blank answers to questions) of the tested version of the questionnaire compared to the alternative one. 96.8% of respondents indicated that the wording of the specialized questionnaire was “more accurate” and “more correct”. The tested version of the questionnaire demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha total 0.901, based on standardized items αst 0.914) with high internal consistency (consistent elimination of scale items maintains questionnaire validity in the 0.886–0.909 range), with near perfect expert agreement (Cohen’s kappa 0.908). Conclusion. The questionnaire is characterized by good validity and has a high internal stability, and the content and wording of all questions of the questionnaire are adequately perceived by the audience for which the questionnaire is designed. This makes it advisable to use it to assess the potential adherence to treatment of adolescents aged 12–14 years.

Non-adherence to ivermectin in onchocerciasis-endemic communities with persistent infection in the Bono Region of Ghana: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundThe World Health Organization has proposed that onchocerciasis elimination (interruption) of transmission be verified in 12 (approximately a third) endemic countries by 2030. The strategy to reach this goal is based on ivermectin Mass Drug Administration (MDA) with high geographical and therapeutic coverage. In addition to coverage, high levels of treatment adherence are paramount. We investigated factors associated with ivermectin intake in an area of Ghana with persistent Onchocerca volvulus infection.MethodsIn August 2021, a cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in 13 onchocerciasis-endemic communities in the Bono Region of Ghana. Individuals aged ≥ 10 years were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey. A total of 48 focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 10 community drug distributors and 13 community leaders were conducted.ResultsA total of 510 people participated in the study [median age: 32, interquartile range 30 (20‒50) years]; 274 (53.7%) were females. Of the total, 320 (62.7%) declared that they adhered to each treatment round and 190 (37.3%) admitted they had not taken ivermectin during at least one MDA round, since becoming eligible for treatment. Of 483 participants with complete information, 139 (28.8%) did not take ivermectin during the last round (March 2021), and 24 (5.0%) had never taken ivermectin (systematic non-adherers). Reasons for not taking ivermectin included previous experience/fear of side-effects, being absent during MDA, pregnancy, the desire to drink alcohol, and drug distribution challenges. Being male, having good knowledge and perception of the disease, and not having secondary or higher level of formal education were significantly associated with higher odds of ivermectin intake.ConclusionsA relatively high level of non-adherence to ivermectin treatment was documented. There is a need for targeted educational and behavioural change campaigns to reverse these trends and ensure a steady course toward meeting onchocerciasis elimination targets in Ghana.

Improving Adherence to Physical Therapy in the Development of Serious Games: Conceptual Framework Design Study.

Insufficient levels of treatment adherence can have adverse effects on the outcomes of physical rehabilitation. To address this issue, alternative approaches to traditional therapies, such as serious games, have been designed to enhance adherence. Nevertheless, there remain gaps in the development of serious games concerning the effective implementation of motivation, engagement, and the enhancement of treatment adherence. This study aims to design a conceptual framework for the development of serious games that incorporate essential adherence factors to enhance patient compliance with physical rehabilitation programs. We formulated a conceptual framework using iterative techniques inspired by a conceptual framework analysis. Initially, we conducted a comprehensive literature review, concentrating on the critical adherence factors in physical rehabilitation. Subsequently, we identified, categorized, integrated, and synthesized the concepts derived from the literature review to construct the conceptual framework. The framework resembles a road map, comprising 3 distinct phases. In the initial phase, the patient's characteristics are identified through an initial exploration. The second phase involves the development of a serious game, with a focus on enhancing treatment adherence by integrating the key adherence factors identified. The third phase revolves around the evaluation of the serious game. These phases are underpinned by 2 overarching themes, namely, a user-centered design and the GameFlow model. The conceptual framework offers a detailed, step-by-step guide for creating serious games that incorporate essential adherence factors, thereby contributing to improved adherence in the physical rehabilitation process. To establish its validity, further evaluations of this framework across various physical rehabilitation programs and user groups are necessary.

The Effect of Social Support on Treatment Adherence and Self- Efficacy in Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: To determine the effect of social support on adherence to treatment and selfefficacy in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. &#x0D; Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in at a university hospital’s inpatient diabetes clinic between January 2022-April 2022. The sample size of the study was determined as 431 as a result of the power analysis. In the study, Descriptive Characteristics Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Adherence Scale to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Treatment and Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale for Patients with Type 2 DM were used as the data collection tools. &#x0D; Results: It was determined that social support had positive effects on self-efficacy (p &lt; 0.05). It was determined that social support had positive effects on treatment adherence (p &lt; 0.05). Education level, complication, glycated haemoglobin A1c and body mass index were effective on self-efficacy of the patients. Education level, and complication were effective on treatment adherence of the patients (p &lt; 0.05). &#x0D; Conclusion: The results showed that social support had a positive effect on the self-efficacy and treatment adherence of the patients. It may be asserted that improving social support of the patients after they were diagnosed with diabetes was beneficial during the disorder and may enhance self-efficacy and treatment adherence levels of the patients.

Implementing Evidence‐Based Design to Improve Adherence in Self‐Administered Treatment Technology

A low level of treatment adherence is one of the challenges facing the UK's healthcare system. An estimated 30% to 50% of patients with chronic diseases fail to adhere to prescribed medical interventions. While medical technology provides an opportunity to overcome existing challenges, poor adherence blurs this opportunity by reducing the intervention's positive impact. The spread of the Covid pandemic dramatically increased the pressure on healthcare systems and highlighted the urgency to address the low adherence problem. Various studies have investigated the underlying factors behind low adherence. However, two main gaps were identified: 1) lack of adherence frameworks that consider self‐administered treatment technology, and 2) lack of a practical mechanism to help companies consider adherence factors during the design and development of the technology.This paper introduces the development of an Adherence Framework for self‐administered treatment technology and a design‐focused adherence canvas used as a practical resource for companies to consider during the design process. Adherence factor data from literature and case studies were triangulated to an eDelphi study used to develop the adherence framework. The presented adherence canvas and Adherence Framework allow companies to consider adherence during the design of self‐administered treatment technology.

Global behaviour of a tuberculosis model with difference in awareness and treatment adherence levels

The treatment adherence level of tuberculosis patients is critically related to their awareness level about tuberculosis and anti-tuberculosis therapy. Tuberculosis is always spreading if the community has low level of awareness. In this article a mathematical model describing the impact of treatment adherence and difference in awareness level on tuberculosis transmission dynamics is investigated. It is assumed that the detected infectious individuals with low level of awareness after treatment may enter either the recovered compartment due to treatment adherence or the latent compartment due to lack of adherence. We compute the epidemic threshold parameter, Rb, to study its role on the dynamics and stability of the proposed model. Mathematical analyses of this model reveal that treatment nonadherence of individuals with active tuberculosis may lead to relapse. Analysis of the epidemic threshold parameter shows that increase in awareness level, treatment and adherence to medication has a positive effect on tuberculosis control. Whereas, decrease in effective contact rate and endogenous reactivation rate help to reduce tuberculosis infection. The numerical simulations of the model illustrate the feasibility of our analytical conclusions.

The Evaluation of Treatment Adherence and Its Association with Perceived Social Support in Patients with Mood Disorders in Hospitals Affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2022

Background: Considering the importance of perceived social support and adherence to treatment in improving the treatment process of mood disorders, our aim was to determine the degree of adherence to treatment and its relationship with perceived social support in patients with mood disorders. Methods: This was a cross-sectional correlational study performed on 120 patients with mood disorders recruited by the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using the treatment adherence questionnaire developed by Heydari et al. and the multidimensional scale of perceived social support. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software using descriptive indices, Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and independent t-test. Results: The results revealed that the average age of the participants was 39.54 ± 13.13 years. Patients with mood disorders had a moderate level of treatment adherence and perceived social support (mean ± SD of 51.53 ± 8.31 and 54.75 ± 11.23, respectively). The Pearson correlation test indicated a significant association between the treatment adherence level and perceived social support among patients with mood disorders (P &lt; 0.001), meaning that with an increase in the level of adherence to treatment, the level of perceived social support increased as well. Conclusions: Perceived social support has a significant impact on treatment adherence in patients with mood disorders. Larger studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm our findings.

Effects of fatalism perception and attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine on medication adherence in patients with epilepsy

: The present study was conducted to ascertain fatalism perceptions, attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine, and medication adherence in patients with epilepsy, as well as to examine the effects of patients’ fatalism perceptions and attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine on their medication adherence. : This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 people with epilepsy admitted to the Fırat University Hospital, Neurology Outpatient Clinic in Elazığ, in the eastern region of Turkey. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the “Patient Information Form,” “Fatalism Scale (FS),” “Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (HCAMQ),” and the “Eight-Item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8).” : Of the participants, 45.3% had 5 or more seizures during the past year, 30% had simple partial seizures, 26.7% also had another chronic disease, 79.8% were receiving polytherapy, 86% used their medication regularly, 65.3% had been hospitalized during the past year, and 82% of them used complementary medicine both for the treatment of epilepsy and during seizures. For the FS and its subscale, the mean scores of the participants were found to be 3.39±0.71 for the overall scale, 3.26±0.71 for predetermination, 3.33±0.97 for luck, and 3.59±0.89 for pessimism. The mean scores for the HCAMQ and its subscale were 32.05±9.94 for the overall questionnaire, 12.99±6.01 for holistic medicine, and 19.07±4.75 for complementary and alternative medicine. The MMAS-8 mean score was 2.14±2.04. The FS variable was found to have a negative and significant effect on MMAS-8 scores. : Patients with epilepsy had a high level of fatalistic perception, positive attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine, and a low level of treatment adherence. It was found that patients’ treatment adherence increased as their fatalistic perceptions decreased. It can be said that the use of CAM in patients with epilepsy is affected by fatalism.

Treatment adherence and its relationship with health literacy in patients with mood disorders in hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2022: A cross-sectional study

Background and aims: Mood disorders include major depression and bipolar disorder. Treatment adherence and health literacy are very important in these patients because they may affect their quality of life, performance, and recovery. Therefore, this study aims to determine the level of treatment adherence and its relationship to health literacy in patients with mood disorders. Methods: This cross-sectional-correlation study was conducted on 120 patients with mood disorders in 2021-2022. Data were collected using the treatment adherence questionnaire of Ziaee et al and the Health Literacy of Iranian Adults (HELIA) questionnaire. Finally, the collected data were analyzed in SPSS-16 software. Results: Findings showed that patients with mood disorders had moderate treatment adherence (51.53±8.31) and insufficient health literacy (61.31±15.91). The results indicated that treatment adherence had a significant relationship with health literacy in patients with mood disorders (P&lt;0.05, r: 0.298). Conclusion: Inadequate health literacy in patients with mood disorders shows that health literacy should be considered in improving mental health. Therefore, it is recommended that by promoting the health literacy of these patients and identifying its challenges, treatment adherence in patients with mood disorders be improved.

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.

Relationship Between Health Literacy, Quality of Life, and Treatment Adherence in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Acute coronary syndrome is a significant global health concern that can affect patients' health outcomes and quality of life. In addition, adherence to treatment and health literacy can affect health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between treatment adherence, health literacy, and quality of life among patients with acute coronary syndrome. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 407 patients in Iran from April 2019 to November 2019. Patients were selected by convenience sampling method. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire, World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version, Adherence to Treatment Questionnaire, and Health Literacy for Iranian Adults questionnaire. SPSS 25 was used for statistical analysis. Based on descriptive statistics in this study, most of the participants had good treatment adherence level (56.5%); 28.7% of the participants had insufficient health literacy level. The mean score of quality of life was 51.41 ± 12.03, which was greater than the midpoint of the questionnaire. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a negative association between health literacy, treatment adherence (r = -0.167, p < .01), and quality of life (r = -0.153, p < .01), and a positive association between treatment adherence and quality of life (r = 0.169, p < .01). The results of the current study showed a negative relationship between health literacy, quality of life, and treatment adherence among patients with acute coronary syndrome. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2023;7(2):e71-e79.].

A 7 day inpatient diabetes education program improves quality of life and glycemic control 12 months after discharge

For long-term management of diabetes, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus require a high level of treatment adherence, which is associated with treatment satisfaction and their quality of life (QOL). To achieve it, patient education about diabetes self-management is essential. We routinely conduct a 7 day inpatient diabetes education program and administer the diabetes treatment-related (DTR)-QOL questionnaire to all participants, both before admission and at discharge. Here, we investigated whether our program improves QOL and post-discharge glycemic control. This retrospective study utilized data from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who participated in our program between July 2017 and March 2020 and who had been treated in our outpatient department for more than 1 year. We evaluated the relationship between at admission and at discharge diabetes treatment-related quality of life scores and glycemic control after discharge. Data from 140 patients were analyzed in this study, which showed a significant improvement in the total, 'Anxiety and dissatisfaction with treatment', and 'Satisfaction-with-treatment' scores. A significant improvement was evident in HbA1c at 12 months after discharge. Multiple regression analysis showed that HbA1c after 12 months was independently associated with gender, duration of diabetes, and HbA1c at admission. Our program effectively improves quality of life and post-discharge glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is particularly effective in patients of the male gender, with a shorter duration of diabetes mellitus and higher HbA1c at admission.