Abstract

*Meet Patel, Fezal Shaikh, Nidhi Chauhan, Hamida Araf, Dr. Pallavi K. J. and Dr. Surbhi Chitania

ABSTRACT

Background: Medication adherence is a critical factor in the effective management of chronic diseases, significantly influencing patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Globally, it is estimated that only 50% of patients with chronic illnesses adhere to their prescribed treatment regimens. This challenge is exacerbated in developing countries, including India, where cultural, socioeconomic, and healthcare system-related barriers contribute to even lower adherence rates. Numerous studies conducted across India have reported varying prevalence rates of non-adherence, reflecting the complexity of managing chronic illnesses in diverse populations. Non-adherence to medication not only leads to worsening health conditions but also results in increased out-of-pocket expenditures for patients. These costs arise from additional outpatient visits, emergency interventions, and hospitalizations due to complications stemming from uncontrolled diseases. As the burden of chronic diseases continues to rise in India, understanding the prevalence and factors influencing medication adherence is essential for developing effective interventions. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases in a tertiary care hospital setting. By identifying the extent of non-adherence and the underlying factors, we hope to inform healthcare providers and policymakers about the urgent need for targeted strategies to enhance adherence and improve health outcomes in this vulnerable population. Aim: An assessment of medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases: A prospective observational study. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 150 patients diagnosed with chronic diseases including Hypertension, DM, Asthma and COPD. Data were collected from medical case sheets, including demographic details, diagnoses, comorbidities, and medication usage. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used to measure adherence and self-assessed questionnaire was employed to identify the predictors of poor adherence. Result: A total of 150 patients were analyzed, in which 80 male patients (53.30%) and 70 female patients (46.70%). The study population was categorized by diagnosis: HTN, COPD/Asthma, and DM with 50 cases (33.33%) in each category. In which, 129(86%) patient was non-adherent and only 21(14%) was adherent to drug. we found that 13(10.08%) of patient had high medication adherence, 43(33.33%) with medium adherence and 73(56.59%) with low adherence. According to the study forgetfulness was the main reason for the adherence i.e. 87(58%) of patients who forgot to take medication in the past, 35(23.33%) of the patient were careless in taking the medication and it was found that 43(28.67%) of the patient were not having the knowledge about the medication. In this study, regular follow-up percentage ratio of the patients were 84.7%, while 15.3% were not getting their follow-up done. Conclusion: Adherence is a key factor associated with the effectiveness of all pharmacological therapies but is particularly critical for medications used in chronic diseases. The reasons for poor medication adherence are often multifactorial. Patient education and motivation play significant roles in improving adherence. Additional research is needed to monitor medication adherence and identify factors contributing to this problem to provide successful strategies to improve medication adherence.