Study of Adherence Level and the Relationship Between Treatment Adherence, and Superstitious Thinking Related to Health Issues Among Chronic Disease Patients in Southern Jordan: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: For disease management, numerous drugs are prescribed. However, long-term treatment adherence is still unsatisfactory. Culture influences beliefs regarding medication, particularly irrational ideas that affect treatment adherence. The Middle East, notably Jordan, is affected by a lack of awareness of these attitudes with regard to treatment adherence. Objective: Investigating the adherence level among patients with chronic diseases in southern Jordan. To determine whether certain demographic traits, different disease factors, and superstitions have any impact on treatment adherence. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study that assessed treatment adherence and superstitious thinking-related health issues were conducted among chronic disease patients who had reviewed intrinsic medicine clinics at the Karak governmental hospital. Results: For 314 participants, treatment adherence was categorized into three levels low-adherent patients made up 27.7% highlyadherent patients made up 49.4%, and the remaining adhered at a medium level. Treatment non-adherence was more common in the elderly and female, according to the chi-square analysis. Additionally, the classification of superstitious beliefs into three categories revealed that different percentages of the study population held low superstitious beliefs 21%, medium superstitions 54.1% and high superstitions 24.8% beliefs. The chi-square analysis revealed that the elderly, female, and low-educated patient groups were the highest in superstitious thinking. Multiple regression analysis revealed that educational level and superstitious thinking explained 0.223 of the treatment adherence variances. Treatment adherence is positively influenced by educational level β (0.244) value, but superstitious thinking is negatively influenced by β (−0.302) value. Conclusion:In conclusion, about half of the participants highly adhered. The results of the multiple-regression analysis indicate that superstition and education were two variables that impacted treatment adherence in this study. While superstitious beliefs lead to lower treatment adherence, education has the opposite effect. Finally, it is recommended to promote patient education to reduce superstitious beliefs, improve medication adherence.

Frailty and medication adherence among older adult patients with hypertension: a moderated mediation model

“…However, for individuals with lower levels of education, an increase in health literacy could have a stronger impact on improving medication adherence. Individuals with higher levels of education tend to have higher health demands than those with lower levels of education and tend to understand the importance of medication ( 85 ). Conversely, those with lower levels of education are more likely to make mistakes, have less medical knowledge, and have superstitious beliefs ( 85 ).…”

“…Individuals with higher levels of education tend to have higher health demands than those with lower levels of education and tend to understand the importance of medication ( 85 ). Conversely, those with lower levels of education are more likely to make mistakes, have less medical knowledge, and have superstitious beliefs ( 85 ). Therefore, they are more likely to make poor decisions when experiencing health problems.…”

Medication Adherence and Its Associated Determinants in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Comorbidities

“… 30 , 31 Other studies from Jordan showed opposite outcomes and concluded that the higher the educational levels the higher adherence level found in patients with heart failure and other chronic condition. 29 , 32 In addition, another study from the USA, indicated that lower educational accomplishment was associated with higher adherence levels in men, but lower adherence levels among women diagnosed with hypertension. 33…”

“…30,31 Other studies from Jordan showed opposite outcomes and concluded that the higher the educational levels the higher adherence level found in patients with heart failure and other chronic condition. 29,32 In addition, another study from the USA, indicated that lower educational accomplishment was associated with higher adherence levels in men, but lower adherence levels among women diagnosed with hypertension. 33 Furthermore, our results revealed a strong association between the frequency of medication administration and the level of medication adherence among elderly patients complaining of both diabetes and CVS conditions, indicating that a higher frequency of medications was positively correlated with a higher adherence level.…”

Factores asociados a la adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 atendidos en un establecimiento del primer nivel de atención, 2023

“…La mala adherencia al tratamiento a largo plazo es un problema multifactorial. Estos factores incluyen la condición crónica de la enfermedad, factores de la terapia (régimen de medicación complejo y polifarmacia, interacciones entre medicamentos y alimentos, costo, efectos adversos), factores del paciente (deterioro de la memoria y la cognición, falta de apoyo y cuidado familiar y social, creencias y percepciones sobre el medicamento) (41). El nivel educativo de los pacientes en el estudio fue en su mayoría secundaria, ello permite a los pacientes tener un mayor acceso a los materiales educativos brindados en el establecimiento de salud, así como una mejor comprensión de las sesiones educativas brindadas, sin embargo, cuando se trabaja con pacientes iletrados, se tiene que buscar otras estrategias para lograr un mejor entendimiento.…”