The impact of the socioeconomic factor on Parkinson's disease medication adherence: a scoping review / O impacto do fator socioeconômico na adesão à medicação na doença de Parkinson: uma revisão de escopo

Abstract Background Therapeutic adherence is a decisive issue on chronic disease management in patients requiring long-term pharmacotherapy, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Although it is well known that socioeconomic factor is a barrier to medication adherence in many chronic diseases, its impacts on PD still need to be investigated. Objective Explore what and how socioeconomic factors impact medication adherence in people with PD. Methods We carried out a scoping review across three databases to identify studies exploring what and how socioeconomic factors impact medication adherence in people with PD considering eight attributes: 1. educational level, 2. disease-related knowledge, 3. income, 4. cost of medication, 5. drug subsidy (meaning presence of subsidies in the cost of medication), 6. employability, and 7. ethnicity (black, indigenous, immigrants). Results Of the 399 identified studies (Embase = 294, Medline = 88, LILACS = 17), eight met inclusion criteria. We identified factors covering the eight attributes of socioeconomic impact, and all of them negatively impacted the medication adherence of people with PD. The most prevalent factor in the studies was low patient educational level (four studies), followed by costs of medications (three studies), income (three studies), and disease-related knowledge (three studies). Distinctly from most of the studies selected, one of them evidenced suboptimal adherence in individuals receiving the medication free of charge, and another one could not find correlation between suboptimal adherence and educational level. Conclusion Socioeconomic factors negatively impact medication adherence in PD patients. This review provides basis for developing patient and population-based interventions to improve adherence to treatment in PD.

Resumo Antecedentes A adesão à medicação é um componente crucial no manejo correto da doença de Parkinson (DP) e, embora esteja bem estabelecido que o fator socioeconômico é uma barreira à adesão medicamentosa em muitas doenças crônicas, seus impactos na DP ainda precisam ser investigados. Objetivo Explorar quais são e como os fatores socioeconômicos afetam a adesão à medicação em pessoas com DP. Métodos Realizamos uma revisão de escopo em três bases de dados para identificar estudos que explorassem quais e como os fatores socioeconômicos impactam na adesão à medicação em pessoas com DP, considerando oito atributos: 1. nível educacional, 2. conhecimento relacionado à doença, 3. renda, 4. custo de medicamentos, 5. subsídio de medicamentos (ou seja, presença de subsídios no custo dos medicamentos), 6. empregabilidade e 7. etnia (negra, indígena, imigrantes). Resultados Dos 399 estudos identificados (Embase = 294, Medline = 88, LILACS = 17), oito preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Identificamos fatores que abrangem os oito atributos de impacto socioeconômico e todos impactaram negativamente na adesão medicamentosa de pessoas com DP. Foram mais prevalentes o baixo nível educacional do paciente (quatro estudos), custos dos medicamentos, nível de renda e conhecimento relacionado à doença (três estudos cada). Diferentemente da maioria dos estudos selecionados, um deles evidenciou adesão subótima em indivíduos que receberam a medicação gratuitamente, e outro não encontrou correlação entre adesão subótima e nível educacional. Conclusão Fatores socioeconômicos impactam negativamente a adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso em pessoas com DP. Esta revisão fornece base para o desenvolvimento de intervenções baseadas em pacientes e populações no intuito de melhorar a adesão ao tratamento farmacológico de pessoas com DP.

Relationship between the number of glaucoma medications, ocular surface disorder, and treatment adherence / Relação entre o número de medicamentos para glaucoma, distúrbio da superfície ocular e adesão ao tratamento

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the relationship of ocular surface disease, the number of glaucoma medications prescribed and its influence on treatment adherence. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, demographic data of patients with glaucoma were collected, and patients completed the ocular surface disease index questionnaire and the glaucoma treatment compliance assessment tool. Ocular surface parameters were assessed by "Keratograph 5M." Patients were stratified into two groups according to the amount of prescribed ocular hypotensive eye drops (Group 1, one or two classes of medications; Group 2, three or four classes) Results: In total, 27 eyes of 27 patients with glaucoma were included: 17 using 1 or 2 topical medications (Group 1) and 10 eyes using 3 or 4 classes (Group 2). For the Keratograph assessment, patients using ≥3 medications had significantly smaller tear meniscus height (0.27 ± 0.10 vs. 0.43 ± 0.22; p=0.037). The analysis of Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire showed higher scores among the groups using more hypotensive eye drops (18.67 ± 13.53 vs. 38.82 ± 19.72; p=0.004). Regarding the glaucoma treatment compliance assessment tool, Group 2 had worse scores in components of forgetfulness (p=0.027) and barriers due to lack of drops (p=0.031). Conclusion: Patients with glaucoma using more hypotensive eye drops had worse tear meniscus height and ocular surface disease index scores than those using fewer topical medications. Patients using three or four drug classes had worse predictors of glaucoma adherence. Despite worse ocular surface disease results, no significant difference in self-reported side effects was found.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a relação entre doença da superfície ocular (OSD), número de medicamentos prescritos para o glaucoma, e como isso influencia na adesão ao tratamento. Métodos: Neste estudo transversal, pacientes com glaucoma foram submetidos à coleta de dados demográficos, preenchimento do questionário Ocular Surface Disease Index e do Glaucoma Treatment Compliance Assessment Tool. Os parâmetros da superfície ocular foram avaliados pelo "Keratograph 5M". Indivíduos foram estratificados em 2 grupos de acordo com a quantidade de colírios hipotensores oculares prescritos (Grupo 1: uma ou duas classes de medicamentos; Grupo 2: três ou quatro classes). Resultados: No total, 27 olhos de 27 pacientes com glaucoma foram incluídos: 17 usando 1 ou 2 medicamentos tópicos (Grupo 1) e 10 olhos usando 3 ou 4 classes (Grupo 2). Na avaliação do Keratograph, os pacientes em uso de 3 ou mais medicamentos apresentaram altura do menisco lacrimal significativamente menor (0,27 ± 0,10 vs. 0,43 ± 0,22; p=0,037). Análise do questionário OSDI mostrou escores mais altos entre o grupo que usou mais colírios hipotensores (18,67 ± 13,53 vs. 38,82 ± 19,72; p=0,004). Em relação ao Glaucoma Treatment Compliance Assessment Tool, o Grupo 2 apresentou piores escores nos componentes de esquecimento (p=0,027) e barreiras por falta de colírios (p=0,031). Conclusão: O estudo demonstrou que pacientes com glaucoma usando mais colírios hipotensivos apresentaram piores escores de altura do menisco lacrimal e Ocular Surface Disease Index, em comparação com aqueles que usaram menos medicamentos tópicos. Pacientes em uso de 3 ou 4 classes de colírios tiveram piores preditores de adesão ao glaucoma. Apesar dos piores resultados de doença da superfície ocular, não houve diferença significativa nos efeitos colaterais relatados.

Relación del apoyo social percibido y el logro de las metas de compensación de los pacientes con hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus / Relationship of perceived social support and the compensation goals of patients with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las enfermedades crónicas son un problema actual que presentan altos porcentajes de descompensación en pacientes hipertensos y diabéticos, que hace interesante evaluar los determinantes sociales que influyen en la situación, como el apoyo social. OBJETIVO DEL ESTUDIO: fue relacionar el apoyo social percibido, adherencia a medicamentos, literacidad y variables sociodemográficas con el logro de compensación en pacientes con hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus. METODOLOGÍA: De tipo descriptivo correlacional de corte transversal. RESULTADOS: Se estudió a 600 personas, con un promedio de edad de 62,9 años, 63,5% mujeres. Un 64,66% son diabéticos y 89,5% hipertensos (46,9% y 43,33% descompensados respectivamente). El apoyo social percibido fue alto y presentan una inadecuada adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico y una adecuada literacidad en salud (57,6%). Se realiza un análisis de relaciones que demuestran relación significativa entre una menor percepción de apoyo instrumental y ser mujer; la percepción del apoyo de interacción social disminuye con el aumento de la edad y en relación con el apoyo afectivo, disminuye la percepción a mayores años de estudios. Al realizar una regresión logística, entre la percepción de apoyo social baja y los niveles de compensación de los parámetros de compensación no se evidencia una relación estadísticamente significativa. Se evidencia una asociación entre las personas con menos de 8 años de estudio y presentar presiones arteriales elevadas. DISCUSIÓN: Existe dificultad en la medición del concepto de apoyo social, dado que el sentido y significancia es personal. Las patologías crónicas como estresores debe ser un elemento que continúe estudiándose con estudios longitudinales y experimentales. Las estrategias clínicas para la compensación de la hipertensión y la diabetes deben ir más allá del apoyo social, considerando las crecientes complicaciones y proyecciones de mortalidad. CONCLUSIÓN: Se destaca la importancia de abordar el apoyo social considerando su naturaleza subjetiva y contextual, aunque no se estableció una correlación directa con el logro terapéutico. Se señala la inadecuada adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico, la asociación entre baja escolaridad y presiones arteriales elevadas.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic diseases are a current problem since there are high percentages of decompensation in hypertensive and diabetic patients, which makes it interesting to evaluate the social determinants that influence and social support as a multidimensional concept. OBJECTIVE: To relate the perceived social support, medication adherence, literacy and sociodemographic variables with the achievement of compensation in patients with arterial hypertension and / or diabetes mellitus. METHODOLOGY: Descriptive correlational descriptive study is performed methodologically. RESULTS: 600 people were studied, with an average age of 62.9 years, 63.5% women. 64.66% are diabetic and 89.5% hypertensive (46.9% and 43.33% decompensated respectively). The perceived social support was high and showed inadequate adherence to drug treatment and adequate literacy (57.6%). An analysis of relationships that are significantly related between a lower perception of instrumental support and being a woman is performed; the perception of social interaction support with increasing age and in relation to affective support, the perception of older years of studies. When performing a logistic regression, there is no statistically significant relationship between the perception of low social support and the compensation levels of the compensation parameters. There is evidence of an association between children under 8 years of study and presentation of high arterial references. DISCUSSION: There is difficulty in measuring the concept of social support, since the meaning and meaning is personal. Chronic pathologies as stressors should be an element that continues to study with longitudinal and experimental studies. Clinical strategies for the compensation of hypertension and diabetes must go beyond social support, considering the increasing complications and mortality projections. CONCLUSION: Emphasizes the importance of addressing social support considering its subjective and contextual nature, though no direct correlation with therapeutic achievement was established. Highlights inadequate adherence to pharmacological treatment, the association between low education and elevated blood pressure.

Therapeutic Adherence According to the Morisky Scale in Patients with Hypertension

Abstract Background In view of the high prevalence of hypertension and the importance of adequate drug therapy in the prevention of complications, it is necessary to know the adherence to drug treatment in this population. Objective To verify adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment in Brazilian patients with hypertension using the Morisky-Green Test (MGT), relating it with demographic data. Methods Prospective, observational, multicenter, national registry study, with 2,578 hypertensive patients participating in study I, the Brazilian Cardiovascular Registry of Arterial Hypertension (I-RBH), recruited in the five regions of Brazil. The analyses carried out on the data were descriptive statistics, qui-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression, adopting 5% as the significance level for the tests. Results The research shows that 56.13% of patients in the sample were female; 56.71% were elderly (≥ 65 years); 55.86% were White; 52.37% were from the Southeast Region; and 59.74% were non-adherent. Logistic regression showed an independent relationship between patients' age, ethnicity, and region with medication adherence. Conclusion Adherence to treatment is the key to reducing high rates of cardiovascular complications. The study brings a successful outcome in the relationship between the factors ethnicity, age, and region of patients with hypertension and medication adherence. To this end, it is necessary to understand these factors, considering systematic evaluation in the care of patients with hypertension and other chronic non-communicable diseases. This study is a significant contribution to multidisciplinary teams, as it highlights which risk factors interfere with medication adherence, incorporating better strategies in health education.

Experiences of schizophrenia patients with treatment buddy support during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Schizophrenia is a major psychiatric disorder affecting physical, psychosocial, and cognitive functioning. Treatment includes pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. Adherence to prescribed medication is critical but reportedly low, because of side effects, failure to understand instructions, a lack of insight about the condition, cognitive deficits, and financial difficulties. Interventions to promote adherence to medication are required. This study introduced a treatment buddy to provide the patient with virtual support in adherence to medication. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the participants' lived experiences of a treatment buddy support. Setting: A specialised psychiatric clinic in a resource-constrained district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative study design, using semi-structured one-on-one interviews, was used to collect in-depth data from 24 participants, suffering from schizophrenia and who had been offered virtual treatment buddy support for 6 months. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The intervention improved adherence to medication. Participants indicated that the text messages served as reminders to take their medication daily. An alleviation of associated problems such as sleeping difficulties was observed. Participants were willing to encourage other patients suffering from schizophrenia to join 'treatment buddy services'. Conclusion: The virtual treatment buddy support increased awareness of the importance to adhere to antipsychotic medications among patients suffering from schizophrenia and helped to resolve other schizophrenia-related problems experienced by the participants. Contribution: The study has provided a supportive intervention that can be utilised by mental health institutions to address poor adherence to medication by patients suffering from schizophrenia.

Evaluation of the use of a Renal Health application by kidney transplant recipients / Avaliação do uso do aplicativo Renal Health por transplantados renais / Evaluación del uso de la Aplicación Renal Health por parte de los receptores de trasplante renal

Abstract Objective: to evaluate the use of a renal health application by kidney transplant recipients. Method: a retrospective, observational study with a sample composed of individuals registered in the kidney transplant section of the application from July of 2018 to April of 2021. Demographic data, data entry, time of use, weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, creatinine, medication schedules, appointments, and tests were the variables collected. Descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Results: eight hundred and twenty-three downloads of the application were identified, and 12.3% of those were registered as kidney transplant recipients, the majority from southeastern Brazil (44.9%), 36±11 years old, and female (59.1%). Of the sample, 35.1% entered information such as creatinine (62%), weight (58.2%), and blood pressure (51.8%). Most used the application for one day (63.3%) and 13.9% for more than one hundred days. Those who used it for more than one day (36.7%) recorded weight (69%), medication intake (65.5%) and creatinine (62%), and scheduled appointments (69%). Conclusion: the kidney transplant recipient section of the Renal Health application generated interest in the young population, but showed low adherence throughout the assessed months. These results offer a relevant perspective on the implementation of mHealth technologies in kidney transplantation.

Resumo Objetivo: avaliar o uso do aplicativo Renal Health por transplantados renais. Método: estudo observacional retrospectivo com amostra composta por usuários que realizaram cadastro na seção para transplantados renais do aplicativo de julho de 2018 a abril de 2021. Foram coletadas as seguintes variáveis: dados demográficos, inserção de dados, tempo de uso, registros de peso, pressão arterial, glicemia, creatinina, horários das medicações, consultas e exames. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados. Resultados: houve 1.823 downloads do aplicativo e 12,3% cadastraram-se na seção para transplantados renais, a maioria do Sudeste do Brasil (44,9%), com 36±11 anos e do sexo feminino (59,1%). Da amostra, 35,1% inseriram informações como creatinina (62%), peso (58,2%) e pressão arterial (51,8%). A maioria utilizou o aplicativo por um dia (63,3%) e 13,9% por mais de cem dias. Os que utilizaram por mais de um dia (36,7%), inseriram peso (69%), agendaram consultas (69%), medicações (65,5%) e creatinina (62%). Conclusão: a seção para transplantados renais do aplicativo Renal Health despertou interesse na população jovem, mas apresentou baixa adesão ao longo dos meses avaliados. Esses resultados oferecem perspectiva relevante na implementação de tecnologias mHealth no transplante renal.

Resumen Objetivo: evaluar el uso de la aplicación Renal Health por parte de los receptores de trasplante renal. Método: estudio observacional retrospectivo con una muestra compuesta por usuarios que se registraron en la sección de trasplantados renales dentro de la aplicación desde julio de 2018 hasta abril de 2021. Se recolectaron las siguientes variables: datos demográficos, ingreso de datos, tiempo de uso, registros de peso, presión arterial, glucosa en sangre, creatinina, esquemas de medicación, consultas y exámenes. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos. Resultados: Ocurrieron 1.823 descargas de la aplicación y 12,3% se registró en la sección de trasplantados, la mayoría del sudeste de Brasil (44,9%), con edad de 36±11 años y del sexo femenino (59,1%). De la muestra, 35,1% ingresó información como: creatinina (62%), peso (58,2%) y presión arterial (51,8%). La mayoría utilizó la aplicación durante un día (63,3%) y el 13,9% más de cien días. Quienes lo usaron por más de un día (36,7%), agregaron peso (69%), programación de consultas (69%), medicación (65,5%) y creatinina (62%). Conclusión: la sección para trasplantados renales de la aplicación Renal Health despertó interés en la población joven, pero mostró baja adherencia en los meses evaluados. Estos resultados ofrecen una perspectiva relevante en la implementación de tecnologías mHealth en el trasplante renal.

Factores asociados a la adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico en pacientes con diabetes sin hipertensión arterial

Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 sin hipertensión arterial. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal y analítico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 sin hipertensión arterial. Se integraron el grupo con adherencia al tratamiento (n = 145) y el grupo sin adherencia al tratamiento (n = 49), determinado por la escala de adherencia a la medicación de Morisky de 4 ítems (MMAS-4). Como factores asociados, se estudiaron sexo, vida en pareja, escolaridad, ocupación, edad agrupada en decenios y tiempo de evolución de la diabetes agrupada en menos de un año, de 1 a 5 años, de 6 a 10 años y más de 10 años. El plan de análisis estadístico incluyó la prueba de ji al cuadrado. Resultados: Se identificaron el sexo (p = 0,045), la vida en pareja (p = 0,045), la edad (p = 0,001) y el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad (p = 0,001) como factores asociados a la adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico. La escolaridad no se identificó como un factor asociado a la adherencia terapéutica en el paciente con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (p = 0,289). A mayor edad, menor adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico en el paciente con diabetes: el punto de corte se presenta a los 60 años; después de esta edad, el porcentaje en el grupo no adherente es mayor que en el grupo con adherencia (p = 0,001). A mayor tiempo de evolución de la diabetes, menor probabilidad de adherencia; en el grupo no adherente, el porcentaje de pacientes con más de 10 años de evolución es 67,3 % y en el grupo con adherencia el porcentaje corresponde a 33,8 % (p = 0,001). Conclusiones: Se identificaron los factores asociados a la adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 sin hipertensión arterial.

Objective: To identify the factors associated with adherence to drug therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without hypertension. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study conducted with patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without hypertension, divided into an adherent group (n = 145) and a non-adherent group (n = 49), determined by the 4-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4). The associated factors were sex, cohabitation, schooling, occupation, age in 10-year groups and diabetes progression time grouped in less than 1 year, from 1 to 5 years, from 6 to 10 years and more than 10 years. The statistical analysis plan included the chi-square test. Results: The factors associated with adherence to drug therapy were identified as sex (p = 0.045), cohabitation (p = 0.045), age (p = 0.001) and disease progression time (p = 0.001). Schooling was not identified as a factor associated with adherence to drug therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (p = 0.289). The older the patient with diabetes, the lower the adherence to drug therapy; the cut-off point was 60 years of age, after which the percentage in the non-adherent group was higher than in the adherent group (p = 0.001). The longer the diabetes progression time, the lower the probability of adherence; in the non-adherent group the percentage of patients with more than 10 years of disease progression was 67.3 % and in the adherent group the percentage was 33.8 % (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The factors associated with adherence to drug therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without hypertension were identified

Caracterización de diabéticos tipo 2 con complicaciones vasculares en relación a la adherencia al tratamiento

Fundamento: la adherencia al tratamiento es fundamental para el control de la diabetes mellitus y para prevenir sus complicaciones. Objetivo: caracterizar a los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 con complicaciones micro y macro-vasculares en relación con la adherencia al tratamiento en un consultorio del médico de la familia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, en el consultorio #2 de un área de salud del municipio Puerto Padre, provincia la Tunas, en septiembre de 2022. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por 177 diabéticos tipo 2, y la muestra, por 64 pacientes con complicaciones vasculares. Para la obtención de la información se diseñó un cuestionario para entrevista, en el que se incluyeron las preguntas del test de Morisky-Green. Para el análisis se utilizaron frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes. Resultados: predominó el sexo femenino en un 60,9 % y los mayores de 50 años (76,6 %), el nivel de escolaridad de preuniversitario (o técnico medio) en un 45,3 %, el 54,7 % trabajaba y un 21,9 % eran amas de casa. En los factores de riesgo psicosociales prevaleció el estrés (82,2 %). 18 pacientes (28,1 %) llevaban más de 15 años de diagnóstico y el 51,6 % más de 12 años con tratamiento. El 79,7 % no tenía adherencia al tratamiento para la diabetes mellitus. Conclusiones: prevalecieron las mujeres, mayores de 50 años, con factores psicosiociales como el estrés, la ansiedad y depresión, en su mayoría con más de 15 años de diagnóstico y tratamiento. Predominaron los casos no adherentes al tratamiento.

Background: adherence to treatment is essential for the control of diabetes mellitus and to prevent its complications. Objective: to characterize type 2 diabetic patients with micro- and macro-vascular complications in relation to adherence to treatment in a family doctor's office. Methods: an descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in office 2, Puerto Padre Health Area, September 2022. The study population consisted of 177 type 2 diabetics, and the sample, 64 patients with vascular complications. To obtain the information, an interview questionnaire was designed, in which the questions of the Morisky-Green Test were included. Absolute frequencies and percentages were used for the analysis. Results: the female sex predominated in 60.9 % and those over 50 years of age (76.6 %), the level of education of pre-university (or medium technical) in 45.3 %, 54.7 % work and 21.9 % are housewives. In psychosocial risk factors, stress prevailed (82.2 %). 18 patients (28.1 %) had been diagnosed for more than 15 years and 51.6 % for more than 12 years with treatment. 79.7 % did not adhere to the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: women over 50 years of age with psychosocial factors such as stress, anxiety and depression prevailed, mostly with more than 15 years of diagnosis and treatment. Non-adherent cases to treatment predominated.

Assessment of medication adherence among hypertensive patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital in India

Background: Hypertension is a chronic disorder and a prevalent non-communicable disease in India. With the increasing burden of hypertension, adherence to antihypertensive therapy plays a vital role to control blood pressure and preventing its complications. Therefore, this study was done in our tertiary care hospital to understand the medication adherence level in hypertension patients. Aims and Objectives: To assess adherence to antihypertensive medications in hypertensive patients using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for 3 months in 100 hypertensive patients. The adherence status of patients to antihypertensive medications was assessed using an eight-item Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Results: Majority of the study participants in our study were >50 years (68%) and females (64%). We observed that patients taking combination therapy better adhered to medication than monotherapy. We assessed in detail the medication adherence level among study participants using MMAS-8 and analyzed the reasons for non-adherence. Conclusion: The medication adherence rate in our study was found to be moderate to high, which needs to be maintained to attain optimal clinical benefit and also to prevent hypertension-related complications.

Survey-based study evaluating current interventions to improve medication adherence

Background: Non-adherence to prescribed medication regimens is an increasingly growing problem, with rates ranging from 40% to 94%. Medication non-adherence leads to increase in morbidity and mortality as well as an increase in healthcare costs. There is a need to improve medication adherence through various interventions that are both implementable and feasible for clinicians. For this purpose, it is essential to understand the perceptions of clinicians regarding the frequency and effectiveness of current practices. Hence, this study is conducted with the core aim of identifying current interventions in use to improve medication adherence as well as perceived effectiveness. In addition, we aim to identify the potential barriers to improving medication adherence. Aims and Objectives: (1) To identify commonly used intervention strategies to improve medication adherence and (2) to assess potential effectiveness of these strategies. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 100 clinicians at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Twenty questions about interventions to improve medication adherence and twenty-three questions about barriers to improving medication adherence were included in the questionnaire. Likert scales were used to measure the frequency and effectiveness of interventions. Results: Clinicians (64%) were most commonly identified as currently responsible to conduct interventions. Intervention practices were rated at about 4.71 on a scale of 1 to 10. Strategy most commonly in use all the time included direct education to the patient (69%), whereas electronic reminders (57%) and electronic monitoring (63%) were most commonly identified as not at all in use. Strategies most commonly considered as largely effective included giving written treatment plans to the patient. Most common identified barriers included socioeconomic status of patients (57%) and cost of therapy (57%). Conclusion: The identification of commonly used interventions to improve medication adherence and their perceived effectiveness helps health-care practitioners design better strategies to address non adherence.

Acesso a medicamentos anti-hipertensivos pelos usuários de uma unidade ambulatorial / Antihypertensive drugs access by users of ambulatory unit

Objetivo: caracterizar o acesso aos medicamentos anti-hipertensivos pelas pessoas com hipertensão arterial atendidas em uma unidade ambulatorial. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, quantitativo, desenvolvido com 103 pessoas com hipertensão arterial em uso de anti-hipertensivos. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário com perguntas sociodemográficas, sobre tratamento e acesso aos medicamentos anti-hipertensivos. Utilizou-se a estatística descritiva e teste qui-quadrado de Pearson ou exato de Fisher para análise dos dados. Resultados: Predominou a faixa etária de 50-69 (68,9%), sexo feminino (85,4%) e raça/cor autodeclarada preta (46,6%). Quanto ao acesso aos anti-hipertensivos, 70,9% relataram ter acesso gratuito, 60,2% os obtêm nas unidades de saúde, 65,7% não referiram dificuldades na aquisição e 86,4% que tinham acesso total. Todos os participantes que tinham dificuldade econômica também tinham dificuldade de acesso aos anti-hipertensivos. Verificou-se associação significativa entre a dificuldade de acesso aos anti-hipertensivos com forma de acesso (total ou parcial), quantidade de drogas e disponibilidade do medicamento nas farmácias (p<0,005). Conclusão: observou-se que, embora a maioria dos participantes do estudo não encontre dificuldades para obtenção dos anti-hipertensivos nas farmácias das unidades básicas de saúde, ainda assim, existe uma parcela da população sem acesso total aos anti-hipertensivos de forma gratuita, sendo essencial melhorias dos programas de fornecimento de medicamentos.

Objective: to characterize access to antihypertensive drugs by patients with arterial hypertension treated at an ambulatory unit. Methodology: descriptive, quantitative study, developed with a group of 103 people with arterial hypertension currently using antihypertensive drugs. The data were collected through a questionnaire with sociodemographic questions, with respect to treatment and access to antihypertensive drugs. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were used for data analysis. Results: the age group 50-69 (68.9%), female (85.4%) and black self-declared race (46.6%) predominated. Regarding access to antihypertensive drugs, 70.9% reported having free access, 60.2% obtained them at health units, 65.7% did not mention difficulties in acquiring them and 86.4% that had full access. All participants who had economic difficulties also had difficulty accessing antihypertensive drugs. It was identified a significant association between difficulty in accessing antihypertensive drugs and the means of access (total or partial), quantity of drugs and availability of the drug in pharmacies (p<0.005). Conclusion: it was observed that, that most of the study participants did not find it difficult to obtain antihypertensive drugs in the pharmacies of basic health units, notwithstanding, there is a portion of the population without full access to antihypertensive drugs free of charge, improvements in drug supply programs are essential.

Factors influencing medication adherence and quality of life in outpatients attending Department of Psychiatry in a tertiary health care centre

Background: Nearly one third of people who suffer major psychiatric disorders end up with a long- term disability and dependency. They are most likely to be non-adherent to medication due to various reasons including lack of knowledge or insight about their illness and treatment which in turn leads to exacerbation of their illness, reduce treatment effectiveness, or make them less responsive to subsequent treatment, multiple hospitalizations and poor quality of life. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in outpatients attending the Psychiatry OPD using the consecutive sampling technique. Subjects meeting the ICD-10 Diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorders, age 18 year and above, subjects willing to participate in the study were included. A structured proforma, the Drug attitude inventory and the WHO-QOL-BREF questionnaires were used for assessment. Results: Mean age of subjects = 38.07 + 11.07 years. Mean medication cost = Rs. 917.82 + 397.89. 87 subjects participated in the study and of them 48% were adherent to medication and 52% were non-adherent. 56% of males and 43% females were adherent to medication. There was significant association between the occupation and the type of family of the subjects and medication adherence (p<0.05). Majority of patients with medication non-adherence were seen in schizophrenia, delusional disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance related disorder. Majority (44.5%) of them reported fear of side effects, followed by stopping the medication when feeling better (35.5%) as the reasons for non-adherence followed by cost, embarrassment, etc. There was significant association between the psychological and social quality of life and medication adherence (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study implicates the importance of psycho education about the diagnosis, prognosis, need for medication and the expected adverse effects which should be clearly explained to the patient. The therapeutic alliance is the most effective component in helping the patient maintain medication adherence and subsequently better quality of life.

Polifarmácia e adesão medicamentosa em idosos no âmbito da atenção básica de saúde: estudo transversal / Polypharmacy and drug adherence in the elderly in the context of primary health care: cross-sectional study

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a adesão medicamentosa em idosos que fazem o uso de polifarmácia no âmbito da Atenção Básica. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal de caráter quantitativo. A amostra foi constituída por 231 idosos. RESULTADOS: Dos 231 idosos que participaram do estudo 36,4% eram do sexo masculino e 63,6% do sexo feminino. A média de idade observada foi de 73,4 (± 8,7) anos. Houve uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as variáveis "sexo", "quantidade de medicamentos" e "possui cuidador". Ademais, observou-se a correlação estatística positiva entre a idade e a quantidade de medicamentos utilizada pelo idoso. A prevalência de polifarmácia identificada foi de 16,0%. A maior parte dos usuários de múltiplos fármacos apresentaram adesão ao tratamento (86,5%). CONCLUSÃO: Presume-se a necessidade de uma maior investigação da relação entre o cuidador e a quantidade medicamentos utilizados pelos idosos, além da capacitação profissional para o manejo da polifarmácia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate drug adherence in elderly people who use polypharmacy in the context of primary care. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of quantitative character. The sample consisted of 231 elderly. RESULTS: Of the 231 elderly who participated in the study, 36.4% were male and 63.6% were female. The mean age observed was 73.4 (± 8.7) years. There was a statistically significant difference among the variables "sex", "quantity of drugs" and "has caregiver". In addition, a positive statistical correlation was observed between age and the amount of drugs used by the elderly. The prevalence of polypharmacy identified was 16.0%. Most users of multiple drugs showed adherence to treatment (86.5%). CONCLUSION: It is assumed the need for a greater investigation of the relationship between the caregiver and the amount of medicines used by the elderly, in addition to professional training for the management of polypharmacy.

Adherence and Quality of Life in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation With Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background Direct anticoagulants (DOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) differ in pharmacokinetic characteristics, intensity of required laboratory monitoring, and costs. These differences could affect patients' adherence to treatment and quality of life (QoL). Objective To assess whether patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) using DOACs have better treatment adherence and QoL when compared to patients using VKAs. Methods We conducted a systematic review in Medline, Embase, LILACS, SciELO, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central, until June 9, 2021. We included studies that estimated and compared treatment adherence and QoL between DOACs and VKAs in adults with non-valvular AF. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD 42020165238). Results Sixteen studies, including 122,458 patients with non-valvular AF, evaluated adherence, and eleven studies, including 5,687 patients, assessed QoL. A variety of methods was used to measure adherence. Eleven studies showed no difference in adherence between DOACs and VKAs, while three studies favored VKAs over DOACs and two studies favored DOACs over VKAs. QoL was measured by specific (n = 3) or generic questionnaires (n = 8); results favored DOACs over VKAs in four studies, while in the other seven studies the results showed no difference between the groups. Meta-analyses were not performed due to high methodological heterogeneity among studies. Conclusions Available evidence regarding treatment adherence and QoL with DOACs and VKAs is characterized by methodological heterogeneity and conflicting findings.

The Impact of Cultural Factors, The Level of Health Education Received by the Caregivers, and Stigma on Asthma Treatment among Children in Southern Jordan

Abstract For asthma treatment in children, caregivers need good knowledge and attitudes regarding the disease and its treatment. This study aimed to determine the impact of cultural factors, the level of health education provided to patients and their families, as well as the impact of stigmatization on the treatment awareness of children with asthma in southern Jordan. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of ninety-seven caregivers selected from three hospitals in southern Jordan. Open ended questions were answered after demonstrating the inhaler technique in and evaluated according to the instructions of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP, 2013). The result revealed moderate knowledge of asthma with a mean score of (22.36/32), as well as moderate knowledge of asthma treatment (24.26/40). A high mean was found for the impact of cultural and environmental factors (22.93/28), whereas low impact was found for stigma with a mean value of (4.73/12). Therefore, to improve future asthma management, additional efforts are required to educate caregivers and improve their asthma awareness and rectify any falsehoods regarding asthma medications by health care providers.

Acceptability of short message service (SMS) as a tool for malaria treatment adherence in the Brazilian Amazon: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Background: Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide, and patient adherence to prescribed antimalarials is essential for effective treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study, with in-depth telephone interviews, analyzed participants' perceptions of short message service (SMS) in adherence to treatment. Results: Five thematic categories emerged: decreased forgetfulness, the novelty of the tool, easy-to-understand language, the impact of SMS messages during treatment, and suggestions for improvement and complaints. Conclusions: SMS could assist patients in adhering to prescribed antimalarials.

Diabetes tipo 2 e transplante renal: estudo comparativo sobre adesão medicamentosa / Diabetes tipo 2 y trasplante renal: estudio comparativo sobre la adhesión farmacológica / Type 2 diabetes and kidney transplant: comparative study on medication adherence

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a adesão medicamentosa no Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 entre transplantados renais e não transplantados. Métodos Estudo comparativo entre pacientes assistidos no Centro de Diabetes (Grupo 1 sem transplante renal) e no Ambulatório de Pós-Transplante Renal do Hospital do Rim e da Hipertensão (Grupo 2 com transplante renal), ambos na cidade de São Paulo. A amostra foi composta por maiores de 18 anos, com diagnóstico de diabete tipo 2 prévio e em uso de medicamentos para o controle glicêmico. A coleta de dados ocorreu de outubro de 2017 a outubro de 2018. Aplicou-se aos participantes: formulário sócio clínico, instrumento de Medida de Adesão ao Tratamento Medicamentoso no Diabetes Mellitus (antidiabéticos orais e insulina) e a escala de Ansiedade e Depressão. O projeto foi aprovado no Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa como 0712/2017. Resultados Amostra composta de 107 pacientes (Grupo 1: 56 e Grupo 2: 51), maior porcentagem de homens, média de idade de 63,3 anos, provenientes da região metropolitana de São Paulo, aposentados, casados, com sobrepeso, sem sintomas de ansiedade e depressão. Os pacientes autorreferiram ter adesão aos medicamentos para o controle do diabetes, porém os resultados da hemoglobina glicada variaram entre 8,3 e 8,7% entre os grupos, ambos acima de 7%. Conclusão Ao analisar a relação entre a adesão autorreferida, hemoglobina glicada, ansiedade e depressão não foi possível evidenciar correlação estatisticamente significante. Os parâmetros avaliados neste estudo não permitiram estabelecer a relação de causa e efeito.

Resumen Objetivo Investigar la adhesión farmacológica en la Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en trasplantados renales y no trasplantados. Métodos Estudio comparativo entre pacientes atendidos en el Centro de Diabetes (Grupo 1 sin trasplante renal) y en los Consultorios Externos de Postrasplante Renal del Hospital del Riñón y de la Hipertensión (Grupo 2 con trasplante renal), ambos en la ciudad de São Paulo. La muestra fue formada por mayores de 18 años, con diagnóstico previo de diabetes tipo 2 y en uso de medicamentos para control glucémico. La recopilación de datos se realizó de octubre de 2017 a octubre de 2018. Se aplicaron los siguientes instrumentos a los participantes: formulario socio-clínico, instrumento de Medida de Adhesión al Tratamiento Farmacológico (antidiabéticos orales e insulina) y escala de Ansiedad y Depresión. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética e Investigación con el número 0712/2017. Resultados Muestra formada por 107 pacientes (Grupo 1: 56 y Grupo 2: 51), mayor porcentaje de hombres, promedio de edad 63,3 años, provenientes de la región metropolitana de São Paulo, jubilados, casados, con sobrepeso, sin síntomas de ansiedad y depresión. Los pacientes autodeclararon adherir a los medicamentos para el control de la diabetes, pero los resultados de la hemoglobina glicosilada variaron entre 8,3 y 8,7 % entre los grupos, más de 7 % en ambos. Conclusión Al analizar la relación entre la adhesión autodeclarada, la hemoglobina glicosilada, la ansiedad y la depresión, no se observó correlación estadísticamente significativa. Los parámetros evaluados en este estudio no permitieron establecer una relación de causa y efecto.

Abstract Objective To investigate medication adherence in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among kidney transplant recipients and non-transplant recipients. Methods Comparative study between patients assisted at the Diabetes Center (Group 1 without kidney transplant) and at the Post-Renal Transplant Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital do Rim e da Hipertensão (Group 2 with kidney transplant), both in the city of São Paulo. The sample consisted of people over 18 years of age with a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes using medication for glycemic control. The data collection period was from October 2017 to October 2018. The following was applied to participants: socio-clinical form, instrument for Measuring Adherence to Medication Treatment in Diabetes Mellitus (oral antidiabetics and insulin) and the Anxiety and Depression scale. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee as 0712/2017. Results Sample composed of 107 patients (Group 1: 56 and Group 2: 51), higher percentage of men, mean age of 63.3 years, from the metropolitan region of São Paulo, retired, married, overweight, without symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even though patients self-reported adherence to medication for diabetes control, results of glycated hemoglobin ranged between 8.3 and 8.7% between groups, both above 7%. Conclusion When analyzing the relationship between self-reported adherence, glycated hemoglobin, anxiety and depression, a statistically significant correlation could not be found. The parameters evaluated in this study did not allow establishing a cause and effect relationship.

Adesão à terapia antirretroviral de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil / Adherence to antiretroviral therapy by people living with HIV/AIDS in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil / Adherencia al tratamiento de personas que viven con VIH/SIDA en Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil

A adesão à terapia antirretroviral (TARV) é fundamental para obter o controle da infecção por HIV, evitando complicações clínicas e o desenvolvimento de cepas de HIV resistentes. Vários municípios brasileiros estão comprometidos com a meta 90-90-90, que prevê que 90% dos casos de HIV/aids sejam diagnosticados, que 90% destes estejam em tratamento e, destes, 90% alcancem a supressão viral. Entretanto, existem apenas três estudos brasileiros que avaliam a adesão à TARV a partir de dados secundários de dispensação. Este estudo objetivou estimar a prevalência de adesão ao tratamento no Município de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil, examinando sua associação com aspectos demográficos, de utilização de saúde e características clínicas. Realizou-se um estudo transversal com o uso de dados secundários do prontuário eletrônico e dados nacionais, dos Sistema de Controle Logístico de Medicamentos (SICLOM) e Sistema de Controle de Exames Laboratoriais (SISCEL), de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids no município de abril de 2020 a março de 2021. A prevalência de adesão à TARV foi de cerca de 85%. Pessoas brancas, do sexo masculino, que tinham acompanhamento tanto na atenção primária à saúde (APS) quanto na atenção secundária tinham maior adesão ao tratamento. A idade e o número de consultas apresentaram associação direta com adesão à TARV. O processo de descentralização do cuidado ao usuário vivendo com HIV/aids é o caminho para uma assistência mais integral, porém desafios técnicos e éticos ainda precisam ser enfrentados. A qualificação profissional, o correto referenciamento com articulação em rede e a atenção às questões de sigilo e confidencialidade precisam ser reforçadas de forma a ampliar a adesão ao tratamento.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential to control HIV infections and avoid clinical complications and the development of resistant HIV strains. Several Brazilian municipalities have committed themselves to the 90-90-90 target, which aims at diagnosing 90% of HIV/AIDS cases, treating 90% of them, and virally suppressing 90% of them. However, only three Brazilian studies have assessed adherence to ART from secondary dispensing data. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of adherence to treatment in the Municipality of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, examining its association with demographic, health access, and clinical characteristics. A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary national data from electronic medical records and Medication Logistic Control System (SICLOM) and Laboratory Test Control System (SISCEL) regarding people living with HIV/AIDS in the municipality from April 2020 to March 2021. We found an about 85% prevalence of adherence to ART. White men with follow-ups both in primary and secondary care showed greater adherence to treatment. Age and number of consultations directly related to adherence. Decentralizing care for users living with HIV/AIDS is the way to more comprehensive care but technical and ethical challenges still require solutions. Professional training, correct network referrals, and attention to confidentiality issues must be reinforced to expand treatment adherence.

La adherencia a la terapia antirretroviral (TARV) es fundamental para controlar la infección por VIH, evitando complicaciones clínicas y el desarrollo de cepas de VIH resistentes. Varios municipios brasileños están comprometidos con la meta 90-90-90, que estima el diagnóstico del 90% de los casos de VIH/SIDA, que el 90% de estos reciban tratamiento y, de estos, el 90% logran llegar a la supresión viral. Sin embargo, solo hay tres estudios brasileños que evalúan la adherencia al TARV con base en datos secundarios sobre la dispensación. Este estudio tuvo por objetivo estimar la prevalencia de adherencia al tratamiento en la ciudad de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil y su asociación con aspectos demográficos, uso de la salud y características clínicas. Se realizó un estudio transversal con los datos secundarios de la historia clínica electrónica y los datos nacionales del Sistema de Control Logístico de Medicamentos (SICLOM) y Sistema de Control de Pruebas de Laboratorio (SISCEL) de las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA en ese municipio en el período de abril de 2020 a marzo de 2021. La prevalencia de adherencia al TARV fue casi del 85%. Las personas de raza blanca, del sexo masculino, que recibían seguimiento en la atención primaria o en la atención secundaria tuvieron mayor adherencia al tratamiento. La edad y el número de consultas se asociaron directamente con la adherencia al TARV. El proceso de descentralización de la atención a los usuarios que viven con VIH/SIDA y sida es la forma de brindar una atención más integral, pero aún se deben enfrentar desafíos técnicos y éticos. Es necesario mejorar la calificación profesional, la correcta derivación con articulación en red y tener cuidado al secreto y la confidencialidad para que se intensifique aún más la adherencia al tratamiento.

Effectiveness of Mobile Application to Improve Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment: A Study Protocol

@#Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death due to a single infectious agent. The disease is treatable by a minimum of six months of anti-TB drugs. However, prolonged duration of treatment using directly observed therapy (DOT) causes significant inconvenience to patients and is ineffective in improving treatment outcomes. Therefore, incorporating the Health Belief Model into the development of digital technology could help change behaviour and improve adherence. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mobile applications in improving TB medication adherence. Methods: This study proposed to conduct a randomized trial among TB patients in the Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and Putatan districts of Sabah, Malaysia. The eligible sample will be randomly assigned to the mobile application DOT arm and standard DOT arm. The primary outcome is the adherence level calculated by the percentage of medication observed divided by the intended dose taken in two months, with 80% and more successfully observed treatment considered highly adherent. The secondary outcomes are health-related quality of life, satisfaction, and monthly household income. Multiple logistic regression and repeated measures ANCOVA will be used to determine the effectiveness of interventions to achieve primary and secondary outcomes. Discussion: The findings from this study could hopefully provide insight into rethinking TB care delivery to achieve better TB treatment outcomes. Trial Registration: This study protocol has been approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health Malaysia (NMRR ID-21-01949-73X) and registered with ClinicalTrials. gov (NCT05259254).