Median Adherence Score Research Articles

Cancer survivors' adherence to the American cancer society and American institute of cancer research dietary guidelines in Lebanon.

Adequate diet and lifestyle practices are postulated to improve health and enhance wellbeing of cancer survivors. Despite the heavy cancer burden in Lebanon, little is known about the diet quality of survivors. This cross-sectional study assessed the compliance of survivors in remission with the American Cancer Society/American Institute Research Fund (ACS/AICR) diet and physical activity guidelines. Cancer survivors in remission for at least 3 months and attending oncology clinics in two referral centers in Beirut, Lebanon were recruited. Adherence to the ACS/AICR was assessed by examining the compliance to guidelines promoting fruits, vegetables and whole grain and discouraging elevated alcohol, meat and energy dense foods intake. Dietary data was assessed through food frequency and lifestyle questionnaires administered face to face and through phone interviews. Anthropometrics, food security and sociodemographic data was also collected. Univariate and bivariate descriptive and logistic regressions were used to determine predictors of adherence rates to the ACS/AICR score. A total of 268 participants were recruited (mean age = 59 ± 23 years, 83% females, 70% breast cancer). Mean time since remission was 3.2 ± 4 years and the majority (72%) had food insecurity. Low physical activity and overweight/obesity were present in 65% and 67% of the survivors, respectively. Median adherence score with the ACS/AICR score was 9.0 out of 15. The majority of survivors had complete adherence to the moderate meat and alcohol consumption guidelines. However, 98% were noncompliant with the whole grains' consumption guidelines. Cancer type, site of recruitment and education were the significant predictors of the ACS/AICR diet adherence score. This study highlights the elevated rates of overweight/obesity, physical inactivity and the alarmingly low adherence with the whole grains consumption guideline among cancer survivors in remission. Policy makers ought to use study findings to redirect government subsidization and educational interventions in the country and physicians should stress the importance of adherence to a healthy diet during remission through counseling and timely referral.

Modifiable risk factors for cancer among people with lynch syndrome: an international, cross-sectional survey

BackgroundLynch syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary colorectal and endometrial cancer. Lifestyle modification may provide an opportunity for adjunctive cancer prevention. In this study, we aimed to characterise modifiable risk factors in people with Lynch syndrome and compare this with international guidelines for cancer prevention.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out utilizing survey methodology. Following public and patient involvement, the survey was disseminated through patient advocacy groups and by social media. Self-reported demographic and health behaviours were collected in April 2023. Guidelines from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) were used to compare percentage adherence to 9 lifestyle recommendations, including diet, physical activity, weight, and alcohol intake. Median adherence scores, as a surrogate for lifestyle risk, were calculated and compared between groups.Results156 individuals with Lynch syndrome participated from 13 countries. The median age was 51, and 54% were cancer survivors. The mean BMI was 26.7 and the mean weekly duration of moderate to vigorous physical activity was 90 min. Median weekly consumption of ethanol was 60 g, and 3% reported current smoking. Adherence to WCRF recommendations for cancer prevention ranged from 9 to 73%, with all but one recommendation having < 50% adherence. The median adherence score was 2.5 out of 7. There was no significant association between median adherence scores and age (p = 0.27), sex (p = 0.31), or cancer history (p = 0.75).ConclusionsWe have characterised the modifiable risk profile of people living with Lynch syndrome, outlining targets for intervention based on lifestyle guidelines for the general population. As evidence supporting the relevance of modifiable factors in Lynch syndrome emerges, behavioural modification may prove an impactful means of cancer prevention.

Deployment of a human-centred clinical decision support system for pulmonary embolism: evaluation of impact on quality of diagnostic decisions

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition that presents a diagnostic challenge for which diagnostic errors often happen. The literature suggests that a gap remains between PE diagnostic guidelines and...

Adherence to oral anticancer hormonal therapy in breast cancer patients and its relationship with treatment satisfaction: an important insight from a developing country

BackgroundHormone-positive breast cancer is the most common type and represents a burden in all countries. Treatment satisfaction might be a predictor for adherence, as higher satisfaction with medication encourages patients to adhere appropriately to the medication and, consequently, successfully achieve the treatment goals. The present study evaluated the adherence of women with hormone-positive breast cancer to oral hormonal drugs and correlated it with treatment satisfaction and other sociodemographic and clinical factors.MethodsA cross-sectional design was applied. This study included two cancer centers. Data were collected from patients through face-to-face interviews and medical record reviews. The Medication Adherence Scale was adapted to assess medication adherence, and the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) version 1.4 was adopted to measure treatment satisfaction.ResultsThe final analysis included 106 patients, with a mean age ± SD of 51.9 ± 1.2. Approximately 35% were hospitalized in the past year. Current hormonal therapy among cancer patients included letrozole (38.7%), tamoxifen (31.1%), exemestane (17%), and anastrozole (13.2%). The median adherence score was 5.0 [4.8–6.0], and 62.3% adhered fully to their oral hormonal drugs in the past week. The median scores of effectiveness, side effects, convenience, and global satisfaction were 66.67 [61.11.0–72.22], 75.00 [48.44–100.00], 66.67 [66.67–72.22], and 71.43 [57.14–78.57], respectively. A significantly lower adherence score was identified in patients living in camps (p = 0.020). Patients with comorbidities and those who continued on the same hormonal therapy had higher adherence scores, although they were not statistically significant. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that two domains of treatment satisfaction, side effects (p = 0.013) and global satisfaction (p = 0.018), were predictors of adherence to oral hormonal drugs.ConclusionsThe current study revealed a significant association between treatment satisfaction and adherence to oral hormonal therapy. We recommend creating a specialized scale to measure adherence, considering the psychosocial factors that affect hormonal anticancer medication adherence.

Antihypertensive medication non-adherence and its associated factors among adult patients with uncontrolled hypertension in a primary care setting

Introduction: Medication nonadherence is a significant challenge in the management of patients with hypertension. This study aimed to assess antihypertensive medication nonadherence and its associated factors in a cohort of patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 225 adult patients with uncontrolled hypertension systematically selected from attendees of the general outpatient clinic of an academic tertiary hospital in Kano, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on their sociodemographic, clinical, and follow-up appointment characteristics. An 8-item medication adherence scale was used to assess medication adherence. Results: There were 155 (68.9%) females. The participants' median age (interquartile range [IQR]) was 55 (45–63) years. Their median adherence score (IQR) was 4 (1–6) of 8, while 87.1% were non-adherent to antihypertensive medication. The duration of treatment (p = 0.009), current blood pressure (p = 0.006), and adherence to follow-up clinic appointments (p = 0.0004) were significantly associated with their median medication nonadherence scores. Conclusion: The prevalence of medication non-adherence in this population is high; however, patients who have been treated for more than 5 years, those with high blood pressure readings (Stage 2 hypertension), and those who were adherent to follow-up appointments had worse medication adherence scores than the other counterparts. These findings justify the need to extensively explore (especially those with long duration of treatment and Stage 2 blood pressure readings) and address the reasons for non-adherence to antihypertensive medication (which should include the identified associated factors), given that medication adherence is crucial in controlling hypertension and its consequences.

Differences in medication adherence between preemptive and post-dialysis young kidney transplant recipients.

The mechanisms underlying the superior graft survival associated with preemptive kidney transplantation, compared with transplantation following a period of dialysis, are unknown. We aimed to compare medication adherence between preemptively transplanted young kidney transplant recipients and those who received a transplant after an interval of dialysis. This was a secondary analysis of the Teen Adherence in Kidney transplant Effectiveness of Intervention Trial (TAKE-IT), in which adherence was assessed with electronic monitoring over 15months among 11-24-year-old transplant recipients. Adherence scores were calculated for each day as 0%, 50%, or 100% (intake of none, half, or all prescribed doses). We used ordinal logistic regression, with generalized estimating equations to account for repeated measures within each participant, to estimate the association between preemptive transplantation and adherence. The model was adjusted for sex, age at transplant, time since transplant, primary kidney disease, race, donor source, medication insurer, household income, and adherence intervention. There were 43 preemptive transplant recipients and 103 who had been treated with dialysis. The median adherence score was 85.1% (IQR 81.3-88.9) for those preemptively transplanted, and 80.0% (IQR 76.7-83.4) for those transplanted after dialysis. Preemptively transplanted recipients had significantly higher odds of adherence than those dialyzed before transplantation (adjusted OR 1.76 95% CI 1.21-2.55; p = 0.003). Preemptively transplanted patients showed significantly better adherence than those treated with dialysis before transplantation. This suggests that the superior outcomes observed among preemptive kidney transplant recipients may reflect selection of patients more likely to adhere to therapy. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet of Pregnant Women in Central South Africa: The NuEMI Study.

Introduction:The Mediterranean diet (MeD) has been shown to have significant health benefits for adults and children. A mother’s diet during pregnancy directly impacts the health of her offspring. This study aimed to investigate the adherence to the MeD of pregnant women attending antenatal care at a Regional Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa (SA).Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on a consecutive sample of 681 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic of a Regional Hospital in Bloemfontein. Socio-demographics included: age, highest level of education, household income, employment status, and income stability. Food group intake was assessed with a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The adapted Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MeDAS) consisted of 13 of the original 14 questions that measured intake of key food groups (score of ⩽7 poor, 8-9 moderate, ⩾10 good) (wine intake was excluded for pregnant women).Results:A total of 681 pregnant women with a median age of 31.8 years (IQR: 26.8-36.5 years) and a median gestational age of 32.0 weeks at the time of the interview participated in the study. The vast majority showed poor adherence to the MeD (99.6%), with only 0.4% (n = 3) having moderate adherence and 0% good adherence. The median adherence score was 5 points and the maximum 8 points. Of those with poor adherence, only 11.5% had tertiary education, 43.2% earned less than R 3000 (<201 USD) per month, 52.5% were unemployed, and 42.0% did not have a stable income in the past 6 months. Of the 3 participants with moderate adherence, all had grade 11 to 12 education, 2 out of the 3 earned more than R3000 (201 USD), one was unemployed, and 2 had a stable income over the past 6 months. Compared to those with an income ⩽ R3000 (⩽201 USD), those with an income above R3000 were significantly more likely to eat nuts (including peanuts) (2.0% vs 4.6%, P = .05), and adhere to sofrito (similar to tomato and onion relish) intake (9.2% vs 15.6%, P = .02). Compared to those who only had a primary education level up to grade 10 (n = 229), those who had a secondary education level or more (grade 11 and higher, n = 452) were significantly more likely to consume enough olive oil per day (1.3% vs 5.0%, P = .01), and to consume sofrito (6.6% vs 18.0%, P = .02).Conclusion:Pregnant participants showed poor adherence to the MeD. Although almost all women fell in the poor adherence group, secondary education contributed to consuming recommended amounts of olive oil and sofrito and higher income was associated with an adequate intake of nuts and sofrito. Based on the findings, we recommend the development of a contextualized MeDAS tool that includes foods that are typically eaten by most South Africans for similar MeD benefits.

Adherence of HIV clinics to guidelines for the delivery of TB screening among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana

BackgroundTuberculosis screening of people living with HIV (PLHIV) – an intervention to reduce the burden of TB among PLHIV – is being implemented at HIV clinics in Ghana since 2007, but TB screening coverage remains low. Facility adherence to intervention guidelines may be a factor but is missing in implementation science literature. This study assesses the level of HIV clinic adherence to the guidelines and related facility characteristics in selected district hospitals in Ghana.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in all 27 district hospitals with HIV clinics, X-ray and geneXpert machines in Ghana. These hospitals are in 27 districts representing about 27% of the 100 district hospitals with HIV clinics in Ghana. A data collection tool with 18-items (maximum score of 29) was developed from the TB/HIV collaborative guidelines to assess facility adherence to four interrelated components of the TB screening programme as stated in the guidelines: intensive TB case-finding among PLHIV (ITCF), Isoniazid preventive therapy initiation (IPT), TB infection control (TIC), and programme review meetings (PRM). Data were collected through record review and interviews with 27 key informants from each hospital. Adherence scores per component were summed to determine an overall adherence score per facility and summarized using medians and converted to proportions. Facility characteristics were assessed and compared across facilities with high (above median) versus low (below median) overall adherence scores, using nonparametric test statistics.ResultsFrom the 27 key interviews and facility records reviewed, the median adherence scores for ITCF, IPT, TIC, and PRM components were 85.7% (IQR: 85.5–100.0), 0% (IQR: 0–66.7), 33.3% (IQR: 33.3–50.0), and 90.0% (IQR: 70.0–90.0), respectively. The overall median adherence score was 62.1% (IQR: 58.6–65.1), and 17 clinics (63%) with overall adherence score above the median were categorized as high adherence. Compared to low adherence facilities, high adherence facilities had statistically significant lower PLHIV clinic attendees per month (256 (IQR: 60–904) vs. 900 (IQR: 609–2622); p = 0.042), and lower HIV provider workloads (28.6 (IQR: 8.6–113) vs. 90 (IQR: 66.7–263.5); p = 0.046), and most had screening guidelines (76%, p < 0.01) and questionnaire (80%, p < 0.01) available on-site.ConclusionPRM had highest score while the IPT component had the lowest score. Almost a third of the facilities implemented the TB screening programme activities with a high level of adherence to the guidelines. We suggest to ensure adherence to all four components, reducing staff workloads and making TB screening questionnaires and guidelines available on-site would increase facility adherence to the intervention and ultimately achieve intervention targets.

Fitbit wear-time and patterns of activity in cancer survivors throughout a physical activity intervention and follow-up: Exploratory analysis from a randomised controlled trial.

ObjectiveThere has been growing interest in the use of smart wearable technology to promote physical activity (PA) behaviour change. However, little is known concerning PA patterns throughout an intervention or engagement with trackers. The objective of the study was to explore patterns of Fitbit-measured PA and wear-time over 24-weeks and their relationship to changes in Actigraph-derived moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA).MethodsTwenty-nine intervention participants (88%) from the wearable activity technology and action-planning (WATAAP) trial in colorectal and endometrial cancer survivors accepted a Fitbit friend request from the research team to permit monitoring of Fitbit activity. Daily steps and active minutes were recorded for each participant over the 12-week intervention and throughout the follow-up period to 24-weeks. Accelerometer (GT9X) derived MVPA was assessed at end of intervention (12-weeks) and end of follow-up (24-weeks).ResultsFitbit wear-time over the 24-weeks of data was remarkably consistent, with median adherence score of 100% for all weeks. During the intervention, participants recorded a median 8006 steps/day. Daily step count was slightly increased through week-13 to week-24 with a median of 8191 steps/day (p = 0.039). Actigraph and Fitbit derived measures were highly correlated but demonstrated poor agreement overall. Fitbit measured activity was closest to MVPA measured using Freedson cut-points as no bias was observed.ConclusionsStep count was maintained throughout the trial displaying promise for the effectiveness of smart-wearable interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour beyond the intervention period. Further worthwhile work should compare more advanced smart-wearable technology with accelerometers in order to improve agreement and explore less resource-intensive methods to assess PA that could be scalable.

Performance of a short, self-report adherence scale in a probability sample of persons using HIV antiretroviral therapy in the United States.

Excellent adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains a cornerstone of HIV care. A three-item adherence self-report scale was recently developed and validated, but the scale has not been previously tested in a nationally representative sample. We administered the adherence scale to participants in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Medical Monitoring Project, which is a probability sample of US adults with diagnosed HIV. We combined sociodemographic and clinical participant data from three consecutive cycles of the Medical Monitoring Project (6/2015-5/2018). We used medical record reviews to determine most recent viral load, and whether viral loads were suppressed at all measurement points in the past 12 months. We describe the relationship between adherence scale score and two measures of viral load suppression (most recent and sustained), and estimate linear regression models using sampling weights to determine independent predictors of ART adherence scores. Of those using ART, the median adherence score was 93 (100 = perfect adherence), and the standardized Cronbach's alpha was 0.83. For both measures of viral load suppression, the relationship with the adherence score was generally linear; there was no 'cutoff' point indicating good vs. poor adherence. In the multivariable model, younger age, nonwhite race, poverty, homelessness, depression, binge-drinking, and both non-IDU and IDU were independently associated with lower adherence. The adherence measure had good psychometric qualities and a linear relationship with viral load, supporting its use in both clinical care and research. Adherence interventions should focus on persons with the highest risk of poor adherence.

Disease related knowledge, medication adherence and glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Pakistan

AimsThe purpose of this study was to investigate the association of diabetes-related knowledge and treatment adherence with glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Pakistan. MethodsThe study was designed as a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional analysis. T2DM patients attending a public outpatient clinic in Sargodha, Pakistan, were targeted for the study. In addition to the demographic information, the Urdu version of Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used for data collection. Patients’ medical records were reviewed for glycated haemoglobin levels (HbA1c). Descriptive statistics were used to elaborate sociodemographic characteristics. The Spearman's Rho correlation was used to measure association of disease-related knowledge and treatment adherence with glycaemic control. SPSS V 20.0 was used for data analysis and p<0.05 was taken as significant. ResultIn total, 392 T2DM patients were included in the study. The mean age (SD) of these patients was 50.77±9.671 years, 56.6% were males and 90% (n=353) of respondents were married. The mean (SD) duration of disease was 5.58 (4.09) years with median HbA1c of 9.00 (IQR=8.20–10.40). The median knowledge score was 8.0 (IQR=6.0–10.0), while the median adherence score was 4.7 (IQR=3.0–6.0). HbA1c had non-significant and weak negative association with diabetes-related knowledge (r=−0.036, p=0.404) and treatment adherence (r=−0.071, p=0.238). ConclusionThere was negative association reported between HbA1c, treatment adherence and diabetes-related knowledge. Greater efforts are clearly required to investigate other factors affecting glycaemic control among T2DM patients in Pakistan.

Medication adherence in type 2 diabetes patients in Nigeria.

Medication adherence is a major universal factor influencing patient health outcomes, particularly in chronic diseases such as diabetes. Poor adherence to antidiabetes medication can cause therapeutic failure, leading to manifestation of diabetes-related complications, such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, etc., reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. To forestall these, likely predictors of medication nonadherence should be assessed and addressed appropriately. The purpose of this work was therefore to assess medication adherence among type 2 diabetes patients and to identify patient characteristics and probable factors associated with nonadherence. A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was used. The study was conducted on 360 ambulatory type 2 diabetes patients attending an endocrinology clinic between June 2012 and February 2013. The eight-item Modified Morisky Adherence Scale was used to assess medication adherence; sociodemographic information and respondents' opinion on the possible barrier(s) to medication adherence were also obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 14.0 software (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL). Of the 303 patients included in the final analysis, 19.8% of respondents were judged to be highly adherent. Medium and low adherers were 30.0% and 50.2%, respectively. The median adherence score was 5.75 (interquartile range, 4.5-7.0). Adherence to medication correlated with low literacy level (P=0.008), forgetfulness (P=0.009), high cost of medication (P=0.014), limited access to care (P=0.001), complexity of regimen (P=0.001), poor patient-provider communication (P=0.000), lack of trust in the provider (P=0.046), and depression (P=0.031). No statistically significant relationship was found between patients' characteristics and medication adherence. Medication adherence was generally poor among the cohorts studied.

Interplay between Oral Hypoglycemic Medication Adherence and Quality of Life among Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

Adherence to medications is an important factor that contributes to therapeutic success. With the current increase in the elderly population, information relating to adherence to treatment and quality of life (QoL) of diabetic elderly patients will help the healthcare provider to improve their treatment. Thus, this study aims to determine the factors affecting adherence to medications and the consequence of non adherence to QoL. This was a cross-sectional study using validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) Questionnaire. This study was conducted to assess the level of adherence on oral hypoglycemic medications (OHM) and quality of life of the Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) elderly patients in an urban health centre in Malaysia. A retrospective medication record review was also conducted to collect and confirm data on patients' demographics, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes. One hundred and seventy nine patients were recruited in this study. Median adherence score was 7.75 (IQR 6.50- 8.00). Good adherer was observed in 48.00% of the participants. A Chi-square test indicated significant correlation between adherence and HbA1c (p= 0.010). The mean elderly diabetes mellitus Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) score was 6.30 ±SD 8.50. A significant inversed association was observed between PAID score and the level of adherence (r = - 0.175, p< 0.05). A highly significant difference in the low adherence group (p = 0.002). PAID score significantly correlated with age (years), female gender and HbA1c (p <0.05). A negative association between HbA1c levels and adherence was identified where a 1% increase in HbA1c was associated with a 30% decrease in the likelihood of being adherent. A medication adherence rate of 48% was obtained among elderly T2DM patients treated in the primary care clinic. This study showed that HbA1c is a relevant tool to assess patient glycemic control and adherence. Sociodemographic characteristics were not statistically significantly associated with adherence. We reported a negative correlation between adherence and T2DM related emotional distress. The identified factors that relieve emotional distress of the elderly T2DM patients are similar with the western countries.

Women with Pregnancies Had Lower Adherence to 1% Tenofovir Vaginal Gel as HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis in CAPRISA 004, a Phase IIB Randomized-Controlled Trial

BackgroundAntiretroviral prophylaxis may be a critical strategy to reduce periconception HIV transmission. Maximizing the benefit of periconception pharmacologic HIV risk-reduction requires an understanding of the links between pregnancy and adherence to this prevention strategy.MethodsWe assessed study gel adherence among women with pregnancies compared to women without pregnancies enrolled in the CAPRISA 004 phase IIB trial of 1% vaginal tenofovir gel. Pregnancy was assessed with monthly urine tests. Adherence was measured monthly and defined as proportion of sex acts covered by two returned, used applicators based on pre- and post-coital dosing. High adherence was defined as a median adherence score of >80%, that is, more than 80% of sex acts were covered by two applications of study gel. A multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEE) model with a binomial distribution was used to assess covariates associated with high adherence (>80%) over time. Median adherence before and after pregnancy was compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test.ResultsAmong 868 women, 53 had at least 1 pregnancy (4.06 per 100 woman years, 95% CI: 3.04, 5.31). Women with pregnancies had lower median adherence compared to women without pregnancies (50% [IQR: 45–83] vs. 60% [IQR: 50–100], p = 0.02). Women with pregnancies also had a 48% lower odds of high adherence compared to women without pregnancies when adjusting for confounders (aOR 0.52, 95%CI: 0.41–0.66, p<0.0001). Among women with pregnancies, adherence before and after pregnancy was not different (50% [IQR: 46–83] vs. 55% [IQR: 20–100], p = 0.68).ConclusionsWomen with pregnancies were less likely to have high adherence to study gel compared to women without pregnancies. Understanding these differences may inform findings from HIV prevention trials and future implementation of antiretroviral prophylaxis for at-risk women who choose to conceive. The protocol for the parent trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00441298, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00441298.

Use of a Screening Tool to Determine Nonadherent Behavior in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Nonadherence is an issue in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and no validated screening tool is available. We aimed to determine whether scores from a self-reported adherence survey correlated with pharmacy refill data as a reliable measure of medication adherence. We used the eight item, self-reported Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Each question is worth a point, with a maximum score of 8. Pharmacies were contacted for refill information for the previous 3 months, then 3 and 6 months from enrollment. Refill data were recorded for each time interval as the medication possession ratio (MPR); adherence was defined as >80%. Analysis of variance was used to determine the relationship between survey scores and MPR by drug class. One hundred fifty outpatients were enrolled, of whom 94 had Crohn's disease and 56 had ulcerative colitis; 89 were female. At baseline, 47% of patients were on 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), 54% an immunomodulator, 15% infliximab, 8% an injectable biologic, and 6% budesonide. The median adherence score was 7. Fifty-two percent stated they "rarely" missed a dose of medication. The median adherence score, as defined by refill data, ranged from 0% (injectable biologic) to 75% (infliximab) by drug class. Only those on an immunomodulator had a survey score that positively correlated with adherence. Only those on a thiopurine were likely to have a score predicting adherence behavior. Adherence to therapy for IBD is complex and cannot be predicted reliably by a self-reported survey tool validated for other chronic conditions.

Diabetes knowledge, medication adherence and glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes

Most of interventions that have attempted to improve medication adherence in type 2 diabetes have been educational; on the assumption that knowledge regarding diabetes might affect patients' adherence to their treatment regimen. The purpose of the study was to investigate any association of knowledge and medication adherence with glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Setting The study was conducted at the Diabetes Outpatients Clinic, Hospital Pulau Penang. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 540 adult patients with type 2 diabetes attending the clinic. A questionnaire including previously validated Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used and the patients' medical records were reviewed for haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels and other disease-related information. A total of 35 (6.48%) patients were excluded after data collection due to lack of HbA1C results. Five hundred and five patients were included in the final analysis, with a mean age of 58.15 years (SD = 9.16), 50.7% males and median HbA1C of 7.6 (IQR was 6.7-8.9). The median total knowledge score was 7.0 (IQR was 5.0-10.0) while the median adherence score was 6.5 (IQR was 4.75-7.75). Significant correlations were found between the three variables (HbA1C, knowledge and adherence). A significantly higher score for knowledge and adherence (P < 0.05) was found in those patients with lower HbA1C. Higher diabetes knowledge, higher medication adherence and using mono-therapy were significant predictors of good glycemic control in the multivariate analysis. Patients' knowledge about diabetes is associated with better medication adherence and better glycemic control. In addition to other factors affecting medication adherence and glycemic control, healthcare providers should pay attention to knowledge about diabetes that the patients carry towards medication adherence.

Investigation on compliance of anti-platelet therapy after coronary stent implantation

Objective To explore compliance of anti-platelet therapy of patients after coronary stent implantation and relative factors. Methods 75 patients after coronary stent implantation were investigated by APGAR and drug compliance evaluation scale. Results 44.0 ％ of patients (n =33) failed to take anti-platelet drugs exactly following the prescription, the main form is omitting to take anti-platelet drugs (28.0％). The total score of understanding about antiplatelet medication knowledge in 75 patients was (26.36 ± 2.85 ), they took not much knowledge about antiplatelet druys' side effects and adverse consequences. The median adherence score of compliamce of antiplatelet drugs was 15.61. Fully accounted for 56.0％. The main non-complicance behavior was missed 28.0％. Different time of stent placement, antiplatelet druy type, duration of patient understanding of medication and medication compliance in patients with family functioning were statistically significant differences ( P ＜ 0. 05 ) ; Medication compliance and stent placement time was negatively correlated (r =-0. 304,P ＜ 0. 01 ), and duration of antiplatelet drug use to understand the situation, family functioning was positively correlated (r =0. 259,0. 266 ; P ＜ 0. 05 ). Conclusions The rate of good compliance of antiplatelet therapy of patients after stent implantation is much lower. Nurses should emphasize the education about anti-platelet therapy and start family support system in order to improve the compliance of anti-platelet therapy. Key words: After stent implantation; Anti-platelet therapy; Compliance; Relative factors; Education

Limited Clinical Utility of a Self-Administered Tool for Predicting Medication Adherence Behavior in IBD

Background and Aims: Identification of non-adherence is an important component of shortand long-term management of IBD. A validated screening tool for non-adherence in IBD would help determine those patients who may be at highest risk for non-adherent behavior and potentially worse disease outcomes. Our aim was to determine if scores from a selfreported adherence survey of IBD patients correlated with pharmacy refill data, as a reliable measure of medication adherence. Methods: The self-reported tool was an 8-item survey, the Moritsky Medication Adherence Scale, which has been previously validated in patients with hypertension. Each question is worth a point with a maximum score of 8. A score of <4 was defined as a patient at high risk for non-adherence, and a score of 7-8 at no risk for non-adherence. The study was IRB-approved and informed consent was obtained. Surveys were completed at the time of a routine clinic appointment. Patient pharmacies were contacted at 3 time points: time of enrollment for refill information regarding the previous 3 months, then 3 months and 6 months from enrollment. Medications discontinued due to intolerance or non-response before the 6-month time period were excluded. Refill data were recorded for each time interval as the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) and adherence was defined as greater than 80%. Analysis of variance with Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between survey scores and MPR by drug class. Results: One hundred fifty consecutive patients were enrolled. Ninety-four patients had Crohn's disease and 56 had ulcerative colitis. Eighty-nine patients (59%) were female. Thirty six percent of patients were on a 5-ASA, 41% on a thiopurine, 11% on infliximab, 6% on an injectable biologic, and 5% on budesonide. The median adherence score was 7 (range, 0-8). Fiftytwo percent stated they rarely missed a dose of medication. However, the adherence by refill data ranged from 25% to 71% by drug class. Only those on a thiopurine had a survey score that positively correlated with adherence (p = 0.02). For all other medication classes, there was no correlation between reported scores and refill data either prior to or 6 months following survey completion. Conclusion: Overall, adherence with IBD therapies was low. Only those on a thiopurine were likely to have an adherence score that predicted high refill behavior. Adherence with therapy for IBD is complex and cannot be predicted in a reliable manner by a self-reported survey tool validated for other chronic conditions.

Quantitative Comparison of the Neutralizing Capacity of Therapeutic Anti-TNF-α Drugs and the Cross-Reactivity of Anti-Anti-TNF-α Antibodies

Background and Aims: Identification of non-adherence is an important component of shortand long-term management of IBD. A validated screening tool for non-adherence in IBD would help determine those patients who may be at highest risk for non-adherent behavior and potentially worse disease outcomes. Our aim was to determine if scores from a selfreported adherence survey of IBD patients correlated with pharmacy refill data, as a reliable measure of medication adherence. Methods: The self-reported tool was an 8-item survey, the Moritsky Medication Adherence Scale, which has been previously validated in patients with hypertension. Each question is worth a point with a maximum score of 8. A score of <4 was defined as a patient at high risk for non-adherence, and a score of 7-8 at no risk for non-adherence. The study was IRB-approved and informed consent was obtained. Surveys were completed at the time of a routine clinic appointment. Patient pharmacies were contacted at 3 time points: time of enrollment for refill information regarding the previous 3 months, then 3 months and 6 months from enrollment. Medications discontinued due to intolerance or non-response before the 6-month time period were excluded. Refill data were recorded for each time interval as the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) and adherence was defined as greater than 80%. Analysis of variance with Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between survey scores and MPR by drug class. Results: One hundred fifty consecutive patients were enrolled. Ninety-four patients had Crohn's disease and 56 had ulcerative colitis. Eighty-nine patients (59%) were female. Thirty six percent of patients were on a 5-ASA, 41% on a thiopurine, 11% on infliximab, 6% on an injectable biologic, and 5% on budesonide. The median adherence score was 7 (range, 0-8). Fiftytwo percent stated they rarely missed a dose of medication. However, the adherence by refill data ranged from 25% to 71% by drug class. Only those on a thiopurine had a survey score that positively correlated with adherence (p = 0.02). For all other medication classes, there was no correlation between reported scores and refill data either prior to or 6 months following survey completion. Conclusion: Overall, adherence with IBD therapies was low. Only those on a thiopurine were likely to have an adherence score that predicted high refill behavior. Adherence with therapy for IBD is complex and cannot be predicted in a reliable manner by a self-reported survey tool validated for other chronic conditions.