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Factors Influencing Adherence to Molecular Therapies in Haematology‐Oncology Outpatients
Author(s) -
Larizza Maria A,
Dooley Michael J,
Stewart Kay,
Kong David CM
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/j.2055-2335.2006.tb00584.x
Subject(s) - medicine , feeling , medication adherence , medical prescription , family medicine , oncology , nursing , psychology , social psychology
Aim To identify factors influencing adherence to oral molecular therapies in haematology‐oncology outpatients. Method Patients prescribed imatinib and thalidomide participated in the study. A quantitative questionnaire incorporating validated assessment tools and developed from issues raised in the literature was used to collect data about demographic characteristics, motivations and perceptions, impact of social environment, and aspects of medication regimens. These factors were assessed for association with adherence to molecular therapies, estimated using the Morisky score. Results 24 patients were recruited, all of whom reported high or moderate adherence to oral molecular therapies based on their Morisky score. Adherence was positively related with age (Rho = +0.510; p = 0.011) and overall patient satisfaction with hospital services and support from family and friends (Rho = +0.609; p = 0.003). There were a number of social environment factors which were found to have a significant inverse relationship with adherence to molecular therapies including: forgetting to take the medication, change in daily routine, feeling sick/ill, wanting to avoid adverse effects and having problems taking medication at certain times. The overall impact of a patient's social environment was found to contribute negatively to adherence (Rho = −0.542; p = 0.017). Conclusion Factors affecting adherence to molecular therapies can be assessed by pharmacists, allowing implementation of strategies to encourage adherent behaviour in difficult circumstances.