Intentional and non-intentional non-adherence to medication amongst breast cancer patients

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with nonadherence to medication amongst a sample of breast cancer patients. 131 women with stable disease were interviewed and completed standardised psychological measures. 55% of women reported non-adherence to medication frequently or occasionally, with younger women and those who disliked taking their medication being significantly less adherent (P =0.015, P =0.001). Women who deliberately omitted taking their tablets occasionally or frequently had significantly lower scores, indicative of a weaker influence, on 'internal' and 'powerful others' dimensions of health locus of control (P =0.032, P =0.009). Despite a life-threatening diagnosis, patients may not adhere to medication representing a potential missed opportunity for health gain and waste of resources. Furthermore, interpretation of clinical trial data may be misleading without adherence information. More r esear ch is need ed to iden tify those at risk for non-adherence. If other routes of administration are available these options should be discussed with patients to maximise efficacy of therapy.

Adherence to Capecitabine Treatment and Contributing Factors among Cancer Patients in Malaysia

“…Generally, treatment inconvenience has been associated with non-adherence in many studies involving both cancer and non-cancer population (Atkins and Fallowfield, 2006;Hassan et al, 2006;Ramli et al, 2012). Other than side effects, treatment inconvenience that includes difficulties in swallowing tablets and complexity of regimen is another obstacle for adherence.…”

The Challenges of Oral Agents as Antineoplastic Treatments

“…[27][28][29] In breast cancer patients taking long-term tamoxifen, younger women are more adherent. 7,30,31 In some instances, males, non Caucasians, those who have less than a high school education, and are low-income have been found to be less adherent. [32][33][34] Depression.…”

“…7,11,30,31,42, Therefore, in a regimen that takes place over prolonged time, adherence declines drastically.…”

Assessment and Measurement of Adherence to Oral Antineoplastic Agents

“…7,20,21,[23][24][25]38,39,50,51,[55][56][57][58][59] Although the MEMS is touted as a "gold standard" measurement in medication compliance, only 6 of the adult studies 8,48,52,53,60 and one pediatric study 61 used this method of measurement. MEMS is not considered to be a practical tool in the clinical setting due to its excessive cost.…”

“…20,21,24,25,50,58 Although type of disease is known to influence adherence in certain circumstances, [77][78][79][80] there is a paucity of information on cancer stage and its effects on adherence, and these data need to be included in future adherence research. In cancer patients, the gravity of the disease may produce adherence in some patients.…”