Adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso anti-hipertensivo no Brasil: revisão sistemática e meta-análise / Adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Resumo O objetivo do artigo é avaliar a prevalência de adesão ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo na população brasileira, com base nos estudos revisados por pares, que utilizaram instrumentos elaborados e/ou adaptados exclusivamente para este fim. Revisão sistemática com meta-análise, baseada nas recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A busca foi realizada nas bases BDENF, SciELO, Cuiden, PsycINFOe, CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, MEDLINE, e nos buscadores acadêmicos AgeLine, Google Scholar e ScienceDirect. O protocolo foi registrado no PROSPERO (CRD42021292689). Modelos de efeitos aleatórios foram usados para meta-análise das prevalências obtidas dos estudos individuais. Incluíram-se 104 estudos na meta-análise sobre tratamento anti-hipertensivo na população brasileira, totalizando 38.299 pacientes. O instrumento mais utilizado foi o teste de Morisky-Green de quatro itens (49,5%). A prevalência de adesão estimada pela foi de 44,4% (IC95%: 39,12%-49,94%, I2 = 91,17, p < 0,001), apresentando alta heterogeneidade. A prevalência de adesão ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo encontrada nos estudos nacionais foi insatisfatória, demonstrando que essa problemática continua sendo um grande desafio.

Abstract This article aims to evaluate the adherence to antihypertensive treatment prevalence in the Brazilian population based on peer-reviewed studies which used instruments exclusively designed and/or adapted for this purpose. A systematic review with meta-analysis based on the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search was carried out in the BDENF, SciELO, Cuiden, PsycINFOe, CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, and MEDLINE databases, as well as the AgeLine, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect academic search engines. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021292689). Random effects models were used for a meta-analysis of the prevalence obtained from individual studies. A total of 104 studies were included in the meta-analysis on antihypertensive treatment in the Brazilian population, totaling 38,299 patients. The most used instrument was the four-item Morisky-Green Test (49.5%). The adherence prevalence estimated by the meta-analysis was 44.4% (95%CI: 39.12%-49.94%, I2 = 91.17, p < 0.001), showing high heterogeneity. The adherence to antihypertensive treatment prevalence found in national studies was unsatisfactory, demonstrating that this problem continues to be a major challenge.

Adherence to treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis / Adesão ao tratamento de pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise

Objective: To identify the adherence to therapeutic regimens in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach developed at an HD center in the south of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study participants were 51 patients undergoing HD. Personal, socioeconomic, and objective data were collected, and the End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ) was applied. The analysis was performed using simple descriptive statistics. Result: The average age was 56.7 years, and 58% of the patients were male. The percentages of non-adherence were diet (35.4%), hemodialysis (21.6%), fluid intake (15.7%), and medication (13.7%). Conclusion: Therapeutic adherence is a complex process that requires constant monitoring by a multidisciplinary team.

Objetivo: Identificar a adesão ao regime terapêutico de pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido em um centro de hemodiálise situado no sul de Minas Gerais. Os participantes do estudo foram 51 pacientes em tratamento hemodialítico. Foram coletados dados pessoais, socioeconômicos, objetivos aplicado o "Questionário de avaliação sobre a adesão do portador de doença renal crônica em hemodiálise". A análise foi realizada por meio de estatística descritiva simples. Resultado: A média de idade foi de 56,7 anos e 58% dos pacientes foram do sexo masculino. Os percentuais de não aderência encontrados foram dieta (35,4%), hemodiálise (21,6%), ingestão de líquidos (15,7%) e medicação (13,7%). Conclusão: A adesão terapêutica é um processo complexo, e por isso necessita de acompanhamento constante pela equipe multiprofissional.

Adherence and barriers to glaucoma topical medication / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To evaluate medication adherence among patients taking topical intraocular pressure(IOP)lowering treatment and ascertain if there are differences in medication adherence between patients treated by a glaucoma specialist and those who are followed up by a general ophthalmologist. Furthermore, to identify multiple obstacles contributing to poor adherence.METHODS: Cross-sectional survey study was conducted among a total of 54 patients, recruited from October 2020 to February 2021, who were using topical ocular hypotensive medication. Subjects completed a personalized questionnaire which was developed to evaluate medication adherence and its barriers.RESULTS: Approximately 60% of our subject population were not completely adherent to topical treatment. Pearson's Chi-squared test demonstrated that there was no significant association between adherence and being followed up by a glaucoma specialist or not(χ2=1.2468, P=0.5361). Furthermore, 43% of participants expressed having problems with eyedrop instillation and Logistic regression analysis revealed that those subjects were significantly more likely to be low adherent to treatment(β&#x0026;#xEE;=3.168, P=0.0367).CONCLUSION: The questionnaire was effective to evaluate medication adherence to topical IOP lowering treatment and its barriers. The medication adherence rate found in this study was remarkably low, so several strategies must be put into practice to deal with the most common obstacles related to poor adherence.

Analysis of medication adherence of hypertensive patients in medication consultation clinics and its influencing factors / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the medication adherence of patients with hypertension in medication consultation clinics， and to analyze its influencing factors. METHODS The data of 389 patients who visited the medication consultation clinics of our hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were collected. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the related factors affecting medication adherence of hypertensive patients or those receiving different types of drugs. RESULTS Among 389 patients with hypertension， 302 cases （77.63%） had good adherence. Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that higher education level [corrected OR＝2.25， 95%CI （1.29， 3.93）， P＝0.004] was positively correlated with medication adherence， average blood pressure level [corrected OR＝0.19， 95%CI （0.10， 0.37）， P＜0.001]， without complication [corrected OR＝0.47， 95%CI（0.26，0.84），P＝0.010] and antihypertensive drug regimen being free dose combination [corrected OR＝0.27，95%CI（0.15， 0.47）， P＜0.001] were negatively correlated with adherence. Results of univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that patients who used β-receptor blocking agents [OR＝1.65，95%CI（1.06，2.57），P＝0.027]， calcium channel blockers [OR＝2.13，95%CI（1.33， 3.42），P＝0.002] and agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system [OR＝2.04，95%CI（1.29，3.22），P＝0.002] had good medication adherence. CONCLUSIONS The medication adherence of hypertension patients needs to be improved. Hypertension patients with higher education level， lower average blood pressure level， complications and fixed-dose combination regimen and those who use agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system， calcium channel blockers and β-receptor blocking agents may have better medication adherence.

Effect of SMS reminders to medication adherence among hypertensives in an outpatient clinic: A 12-week two-arm, parallel group randomized clinical trial

@#<strong>BACKGROUND</strong><p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">There has been a growing prevalence of hypertension and its associated diseases. Medication adherence is one of the primary factors of uncontrolled blood pressure in patients and non-adherence to medication can result in morbidity and mortality for the patient and increased financial strain on the healthcare system. With the wide availability of mobile phones, using short messaging system (SMS) reminders as an intervention has shown promising results in improving medication adherence. The present study aims to see if SMS reminders can help improve medication adherence among hypertensive patients seen in the out-patient department.</p><strong>OBJECTIVE</strong><p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">To determine the effect of short messaging system reminders on the medication adherence among hypertensive patients seen in the outpatient department of Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) in a 12-week trial period.</p><strong>METHODS</strong><p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">This was a two-arm parallel group, double blind, randomized clinical trial using short text messaging reminder to hypertensive patients conducted last October 4, 2023 to December 27, 2023 at CSMC Outpatient Clinic under Family Medicine Service. A two-part questionnaire composed of baseline clinical variables and the Hill-bone Medication Adherence Scale (HBMAS) (Kim, et al 2000) was utilized pre- and post-intervention. STATA Software was used to analyze the date with intention to treat analysis. Descriptive statistics was computed for dichotomous variables while continuous variables were expressed as means and measured before and after intervention. The mean HB-MAS scores pre intervention and post-intervention per group were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, while scores between intervention and control groups pre- and post-intervention were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with two-sided p values reported and statistical significance set up at p < 0.05.</p><strong>RESULTS</strong><p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">A total of 102 patients were enrolled in the study (51 in intervention group and 51 in control group) with no dropouts. There was no significant difference between the baseline and post intervention medication adherence scores in both the intervention and control groups, however, there was a significant difference of the scores between the intervention and control groups post intervention (p = 0.001). There was also noted improvement of the blood pressure among participants in the intervention group, with lower blood pressures post-intervention on average (120/80 mmHg) compared to baseline (130/90 mmHg), while participants in the control group still exhibited high blood pressure (130/90 mmHg) post-intervention.</p><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">Given the widespread availability of mobile devices and the increased awareness generated by social media, it may be easier to put interventions in place that improve drug adherence. Through the use of easily accessible technology, this study helps patients remember to take their prescription by offering straightforward reminders that can help them overcome these obstacles to medication adherence.</p>

Level of medication adherence among chronic hypertensive adults seen at the outpatient clinics of Cebu South Medical Center from June to September 2023: A cross-sectional study

@#<strong>BACKGROUND</strong><p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">Hypertension is one of the top causes of death globally. Among Filipinos with hypertension, only 27% have their condition under control with treatment.</p><strong>OBJECTIVE</strong><p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">To determine the level of medication adherence of chronic hypertensive adult patients in Cebu South Medical Center.</p><strong>METHODS</strong><p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">Descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at Cebu South Medical Center from June to September 2023, to 63 participants via complete enumeration using a validated two-part questionnaire that asked for patient demographics and the Hill-Bone Medication Adherence Scale adapted into Bisaya. Descriptive statistics were used.</p><strong>RESULTS</strong><p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">Out of the sixty-three (63) patients who participated in the study, there were only nine adherent respondents (30%), while the remaining majority (70%) were non adherent. The demographics showed that education and occupational background were likely to affect medication adherence. Gender had no significant effect on the level of medication adherence.</p><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">Medication non-adherence is common and prevalent among adults with chronic hypertension seen in Cebu South Medical Center. Education and occupational background affect non-adherence. Together with Local Government Units promotion of proper education on disease process and proper implementation of medical adherence, strengthening medication assistance and guidance for income-generating activities could improve adherence.</p>

Efficacy of recombinant human interferon α-2b spray, administered under medication guidance, in the treatment of herpangina / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of recombinant human interferon α-2b spray, administered under medication guidance, in the clinical treatment of herpangina.Methods:A total of 76 children with herpangina who were treated at The First People's Hospital of Yongkang between October 2020 and October 2022 were included in this study. Using the random number table method, these patients were randomly assigned to an observation group ( n = 42) and a control group ( n = 34). The control group received conventional treatment, whereas the observation group was administered recombinant human interferon α-2b spray under medication guidance. A comparative analysis was conducted between the two groups, evaluating clinical efficacy, inflammatory factor levels, treatment compliance, and the negative conversion rate of throat swab virology. Results:After treatment, the overall response rate of the observation group [95.24% (40/42)] and treatment compliance [97.62% (41/42)] were significantly higher than those of the control group [76.47% (26/34), 79.41% (27/34), χ2 = 4.27, 4.82, P = 0.040, 0.030]. The levels of C-reactive protein [(6.28 ± 1.64) mg/L], white blood cell count [(6.11 ± 1.10) × 10 9], and serum amyloid A [(3.47 ± 0.89) mg/L] in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(7.51 ± 1.16) mg/L, (7.51 ± 1.16) × 10 9, (7.82 ± 1.30) mg/L, t = 3.69, 6.46, 17.27, all P < 0.001]. The positive conversion rate of throat swab virology in the observation group [4.76% (2/42)] was lower than that in the control group [26.47% (9/34), χ2 = 5.51, P = 0.190]. Conclusion:The use of recombinant human interferon α-2b spray under medication guidance in the treatment of herpangina can improve treatment compliance, rapidly alleviate clinical symptoms, and significantly improve the prognosis.

Characteristics of schizophrenic patients using long-acting antipsychotic medications / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the characteristics of schizophrenic patients using long-acting antipsychotic medications, so as to provide the basis for applicable population of long-acting antipsychotic medications.@*Methods@#Data of schizophrenic patients using long-acting antipsychotic medications in Shanghai City from June 2020 to June 2022 were collected through Shanghai Mental Health Information Management System, and demographic characteristics, illness and medication use of patients were descriptively analyzed.@*Results@#A total of 2 684 schizophrenic patients using long-acting antipsychotic medications were included in the study, had a mean age of (46.92±12.39) years, with 1 246 males (46.42%) and 1 438 females (53.58%). There were 1 397 unemployed cases, accounting for 52.05%; 1 429 cases with an educational level in junior high school or below, accounting for 53.24%; 1 301 unmarried cases, accounting for 48.47%; 832 cases in poverty, accounting for 31.00%. The caregivers of patients were mainly their parents, with 1 507 cases accounting for 56.15%. The courses of illness were mainly ≤10 years and >10-20 years, with 860 cases each, both accounting for 32.04%; 1 963 cases with incomplete self-awareness, accounting for 73.14%; 1 570 cases hospitalized at least once, accounting for 58.49%. There were 2 486 cases with continuous medication, accounting for 92.62%. The main method of taking medication was given by others, with 1 947 cases accounting for 72.54%. The medication adherence was mainly taking medication on time and in the right amount, with 2 437 cases accounting for 90.80%.@*Conclusion@#The main characteristics of schizophrenic patients using long-acting antipsychotic medications are young, unmarried, and unemployed adults, with incomplete self-awareness, continuous medication and medication given by others.

Adesão e persistência ao tratamento com infliximabe: análise de uma coorte de um programa de suporte ao paciente no Brasil / Adherence and persistence to treatment with infliximab: analysis of a patient support program cohort in brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Monoclonal antibodies have proven efficacy in the management of several conditions and infliximab (IFX) is one of the most important drugs of the class. Some recent data have shown low rates of both persistence and adherence to several available biologics. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe adherence and persistence rate to IFX treatment and also persistence in the patient support program (PSP), among patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) or rheumatic diseases (RD) enrolled in the program of a large pharmaceutical company in Brazil. Methods: Retrospective observational analysis using the PSP database. IBD or RD patients using IFX enrolled on the PSP database between September 2015 and August 2019 were retrospectively evaluated to identify the persistence rate and adherence and followed up until March 1, 2020. Patients were excluded if treatment start date was prior to program entry; first infusion prior to September 1st, 2015 or after August 31st, 2019; the patients did not started treatment; and patients with "OTHERS" in "Indication" field. Persistence was assessed considering both persistence in the program ("PSP persistence") and persistence on IFX in the PSP ("IFX persistence in the PSP"). PSP persistence was defined as the proportion of patients remaining in the program at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months after initiating IFX. To determine IFX persistence in the PSP, censoring was defined at the time the patient left the program, died, or was lost to follow-up. Adherence to treatment was measured by medication possession ratio ((MPR) - All days supply / elapsed days from first prescription to last day of medication possession)). Descriptive statistics were initially used. Kaplan-Meier curve, the median time estimated by the survival function, Cox regression model, and restricted mean survival time (RMST) were used to evaluate the treatment persistence time at 24 months and the logistic regression model was performed aiming to identify variables associated with adherence (MPR ≥80%). Results: A total of 10,233 patients were analyzed, 5,826 (56.9%) with the diagnosis of RD and 4,407 (43.1%) of IBD. At the end of the follow-up (median 9.1 months from PSP entry to the last infusion), persistence in the PSP was 65.6%, 48.2%, 31.0%, 20.7% and 13.1% at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, respectively. Considering persistence on IFX in the PSP, estimates were 93.7%, 87.8%, 77.0%, 62.4% and 53.0% at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, respectively. Variables associated with the risk of non-persistence were gender, country region and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Median MPR was 94.2%, while the percentage of patients with MPR ≥80% was 91.0%. Variables associated with MPR≥80% were country region and diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Conclusion: Many patients leave the program without discontinuing IFX, since the 12-month persistence were very different between program and medication estimates, while high adherence rates were observed among patients enrolled in the PSP. Data highlights the benefits of a PSP.

RESUMO Contexto: Os anticorpos monoclonais têm eficácia comprovada no manejo de diversas condições e o infliximabe (IFX) é um dos medicamentos mais importantes da classe. Alguns dados recentes demonstram baixas taxas de persistência e adesão a vários dos biológicos disponíveis. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a adesão e persistência ao tratamento com IFX e a persistência no programa de suporte ao paciente (PSP), entre pacientes diagnosticados com doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII) ou doenças reumáticas (DR) inscritos no PSP de uma grande indústria farmacêutica no Brasil. Métodos: Análise observacional retrospectiva utilizando o banco de dados do PSP. Pacientes com DII ou DR usando IFX inscritos no banco de dados do PSP entre setembro de 2015 e agosto de 2019 foram avaliados retrospectivamente para identificar a taxa de persistência e adesão e acompanhados até 1º de março de 2020. Os pacientes foram excluídos se a data de início do tratamento fosse anterior à entrada no programa; primeira infusão antes de 1º de setembro de 2015 ou após 31 de agosto de 2019; o paciente não iniciou o tratamento; e pacientes com "OUTROS" no campo "indicação". A persistência foi avaliada considerando tanto a persistência no programa ("persistência PSP") quanto a persistência em uso de infliximabe no PSP ("persistência IFX no PSP"). A persistência no PSP foi definida como a proporção de pacientes que permaneceram no programa aos 6, 12, 24, 36 e 48 meses após o início do IFX. Para determinar a persistência do IFX no PSP, a censura foi definida quando o paciente deixou o programa, morreu ou perdeu o acompanhamento. A adesão ao tratamento foi medida pela razão de posse do medicamento (MPR)): todos os dias de fornecimento / decorridos da primeira prescrição ao último dia de posse do medicamento). A estatística descritiva foi inicialmente utilizada. A curva de Kaplan-Meier, o tempo mediano estimado pela função de sobrevida, o modelo de regressão de Cox e o tempo de sobrevida médio restrito (RMST) foram utilizados para avaliar o tempo de persistência do tratamento em 24 meses e o modelo de regressão logística foi realizado para identificar variáveis associadas à adesão (MPR ≥80%). Resultados: Foram analisados 10.233 pacientes, 5.826 (56,9%) com diagnóstico de DR e 4.407 (43,1%) de DII. Ao final do seguimento (mediana de 9,1 meses desde a entrada no PSP até a última infusão), a persistência no PSP foi de 65,6%, 48,2%, 31,0%, 20,7% e 13,1% aos 6, 12, 24, 36 e 48 meses, respectivamente. Considerando a persistência no IFX no PSP, as estimativas foram de 93,7%, 87,8%, 77,0%, 62,4% e 53,0% aos 6, 12, 24, 36 e 48 meses, respectivamente. As variáveis associadas ao risco de não persistência foram sexo, região do país e diagnóstico de artrite reumatoide e espondilite anquilosante. A mediana do MPR foi de 94,2%, enquanto o percentual de pacientes com MPR ≥80% foram de 91,0%. As variáveis associadas a MPR ≥80% foram região do país e diagnóstico de doença de Crohn. Conclusão: Muitos pacientes abandonam o programa sem interromper o IFX, pois a persistência em 12 meses foi muito diferente entre as estimativas do programa e da medicação, enquanto altas taxas de adesão foram observadas entre os pacientes inscritos no PSP. Os dados destacam os benefícios de um PSP.

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.

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.

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.

Adesão de pacientes idosos polimedicados: como eles se comportam frente à tomada de medicamentos? / Adherence of polymedicated older adults: how do they behave regarding medication intake?

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a associação entre a adesão à terapia medicamentosa com nível de entendimento e complexidade da prescrição, bem como avaliar a concordância entre dois questionários de adesão aplicados a pessoas idosas polimedicadas. Método Trata-se de estudo transversal, com pessoas idosas atendidas no ambulatório de geriatria de um hospital universitário do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Nesses pacientes foi avaliado a adesão à terapia medicamentosa (Brief Medication Questionarie - BMQ e Instrumento de Avaliação da Atitude frente à tomada de remédios - IAAFTR), o conhecimento sobre os medicamentos prescritos e a complexidade da farmacoterapia. Para análise estatística foram utilizados testes qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher sendo considerado o nível de significância de p-valor ≤0,05. A concordância entre os dois métodos de adesão foi avaliada pelo índice Kappa. Resultados Dos 49 idosos entrevistados, 75,5% eram mulheres, hipertensão arterial (82%) e diabetes (37%) as doenças mais prevalentes. Observou-se pelos testes BMQ e IAAFTR que 35% e 45% dos pacientes, respectivamente, eram aderentes a terapia medicamentosa. Não houve concordância de resultado entre os métodos de adesão. Grande parte dos pacientes apresentou bom nível de informação sobre seus medicamentos, porém, a maioria deles foi considerada não aderente. Não foi observado associação estatisticamente significativa entre a complexidade da prescrição frente a adesão e ao nível de informação sobre medicamentos. Conclusão A adesão a terapia medicamentosa é um processo multifatorial e as ferramentas de avaliação de adesão e de outros fatores que a influência deve ser criteriosamente escolhida de acordo com a população de estudo, pois em nosso trabalho elas apresentaram respostas diferenciadas.

Abstract Objective To analyze the association between medication therapy adherence and level of understanding and complexity of the prescription, as well as to assess the agreement between two adherence questionnaires administered to polymedicated older adults. Method This is a cross-sectional study involving older adults attending the geriatrics outpatient clinic at a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In these patients, medication therapy adherence (assessed using the Brief Medication Questionnaire - BMQ and the Instrument for Assessing Attitudes Toward Medication Taking - IAAFTR), knowledge about prescribed medications, and pharmacotherapy complexity were evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi-square tests and Fisher's Exact test, with a significance level set at p-value ≤ 0.05. The agreement between the two adherence methods was assessed using the Kappa index. Results Of the 49 interviewed older adults, 75.5% were women, with arterial hypertension (82%) and diabetes (37%) being the most prevalent conditions. According to the BMQ and IAAFTR tests, 35% and 45% of patients, respectively, were adherent to medication therapy. There was no agreement in the results between the adherence methods. A large proportion of patients exhibited a good level of information about their medications; however, the majority of them were considered non-adherent. No statistically significant association was observed between prescription complexity and adherence, nor between the level of medication information and adherence. Conclusion Medication therapy adherence is a multifactorial process, and the assessment tools for adherence and other influencing factors should be carefully chosen according to the study population, as they exhibited different responses in our work.

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.

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.

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.

Fatores associados à não adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso para hipertensão arterial sistêmica e diabetes mellitus entre adultos brasileiros: resultados do VIGITEL 2019 / Factors associated with non-adherence to drug treatment for hypertension and diabetes mellitus among Brazilian adults: results from VIGITEL 2019

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e o diabetes mellitus (DM) foram as doenças crônicas não transmissíveis mais prevalentes no Brasil em 2019. Dentre os fatores que podem contribuir para o descontrole dessas doenças está o uso inadequado de medicamentos. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à não adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso para HAS e DM entre adultos residentes nas capitais brasileiras e no Distrito Federal. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base populacional com dados da Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL) de 2019. Foram incluídos indivíduos (≥ 18 anos) com diagnóstico de HAS e/ou DM. Não adesão ao tratamento medicamento para HAS e para DM foram os desfechos. As variáveis macrorregião de moradia, sexo, cor da pele, faixa etária, escolaridade, estado civil, autopercepção de saúde e posse de plano de saúde foram as exposições. Foram realizadas análises descritivas de todas as variáveis. Análises brutas utilizando o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson e análises ajustadas utilizando Regressão de Poisson foram conduzidas para avaliar as associações. Foram estudados 52.443 indivíduos. As prevalências da não adesão para o tratamento medicamentoso para HAS e DM foram de 10,1% e 6,0%, respectivamente. Após análise ajustada, indivíduos do sexo feminino apresentaram uma menor probabilidade (RP: 0,67; IC95% 0,53-0,85) de não aderir ao tratamento medicamento para HAS, em comparação ao sexo masculino. A variável faixa-etária apresentou uma associação linear inversa com esse desfecho, ou seja, quanto maior a faixa etária, menor a probabilidade de não adesão ao tratamento medicamento para HAS (p<0,001). Não foram encontradas associações entre as variáveis independentes e a não adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso para DM. Em conclusão, destaca-se a necessidade de iniciativas e projetos governamentais que foquem nos grupos mais propensos à não adesão dos tratamentos medicamentosos.

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and diabetes mellitus (DM) were the most prevalent non-communicable chronic diseases in Brazil in 2019. Among the factors that may contribute to the lack of control of these diseases is the inappropriate use of medications. The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence and factors associated with non-adherence to drug treatment for SAH and DM among adults residing in Brazilian capitals and the Federal District. This is a population-based cross-sectional study with data from the 2019 Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (VIGITEL). Individuals (≥ 18 years old) diagnosed with SAH and/or DM were included. Non-adherence to drug treatment for SAH and DM were the outcomes. The variables macro-region of residence, sex, skin color, age, education, marital status, self-perception of health and ownership of health insurance were the exposures. Descriptive analyzes of all variables were performed. Crude analyzes using Pearson's chi-square test and adjusted analyzes using Poisson regression were conducted to evaluate the associations. A total of 52,443 individuals were studied. The prevalence of non-adherence to drug treatment for SAH and DM was 10.1% and 6.0%, respectively. After adjusted analysis, female subjects were less likely (PR: 0.67; 95%CI 0.53-0.85) of not adhering to drug treatment for SAH, compared to males. The age variable showed an inverse linear association with this outcome, that is, the higher the age, the lower the probability of non-adherence to the drug treatment for SAH (p<0.001). No associations were found between the independent variables and non-adherence to drug treatment for DM. In conclusion, there is a need for government initiatives and projects that focus on the groups most likely to not adhere to drug treatments.

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

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.