The Intentional Non-Adherence Scale (INAS): Initial development and validation

Relative importance of "why" and "how" messages on medication behavior: Insights from construal level theory

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the impact of initial messaging strategies on medication behavior in newly diagnosed hypertension patients in a hypothetical context. Applying Construal Level Theory, this study evaluated which message type-low construal (focused on how, feasibility, and concrete) or high construal (focused on why, desirability, and abstract)-is more effective.

METHODS

An online quasi-experiment was performed with 1200 participants without hypertension aged 30-60. The participants were divided into two message groups, each receiving a hypothetical hypertension diagnosis during a health check-up and different medication messages tailored to construal levels.

RESULTS

Compared to "how" messages, "why" messages significantly improved message satisfaction (F1,1192 = 10.36, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.009, M (SE) = 5.25 (0.04) vs. 5.04 (0.04)) and adherence intentions (F1,1192 = 7.54, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.006, M (SE) = 4.83 (0.06) vs. 4.59 (0.06)).

CONCLUSION

In the hypothetical scenario, patients newly diagnosed with hypertension were found to be more responsive to "why" messages and perceived a distant psychological distance to medication.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

To enhance adherence intentions and message satisfaction, healthcare professionals should emphasize the reasons and benefits of medication use for newly prescribed hypertension patients. Moreover, early-stage patient materials should prioritize "why" messages to improve adherence.

A cultural adaptation and validation study of the Intentional Nonadherence Scale (INAS) among people with type 2 diabetes in Singapore

AIMS

To examine the psychometric properties of the Intentional Non-adherence Scale (INAS) among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (PwT2D) in Singapore.

METHODS

This study consisted of Phase 1: translation and adaptation of the questionnaire into local Mandarin and English and Phase 2: a longitudinal validation study at the outpatient clinics of a hospital in Singapore. In Phase 1, cognitive interviews were conducted with 20 PwT2D and healthcare providers to examine the content validity of the INAS. In Phase 2, 290 PwT2D were recruited. Fifty-three of them were involved in test-retest reliability analysis, while 185 were followed-up in 3-6 months to assess the predictive validity of the INAS. The INAS was also evaluated for its structural validity, construct validity and internal reliability.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis revealed four factors, namely "Resisting illness and medication", "Sensitivity to medication", "Testing treatment" and "Inconvenience". All INAS factors showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84-0.94) and moderate test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.50-0.62). Construct validity of the INAS was demonstrated in its relationship with medication adherence, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), beliefs about medications, illness perception and mood. Quantile and linear regression for medication adherence and HbA1c in 3-6 months did not show statistical associations with the INAS after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports the reliability and most aspects of validity of the INAS, which revealed new factors that may affect medication adherence and HbA1c. In clinical settings, healthcare providers may consider using this questionnaire to evaluate potential intentional nonadherence.

Intentional non-adherence to antipsychotic medication in patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Although adherence to antipsychotic medication is critical in the treatment of schizophrenia, prior studies have not adequately distinguished between intentional and unintentional non-adherence.

METHODS

This study included outpatients with schizophrenia. Self-reported intentional non-adherence was assessed cross-sectionally using the Japanese version of the Intentional Non-Adherence Scale (INAS-J). Item G12 of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Medication Possession Ratio (MPR), psychiatric symptoms, side effects, and medication status were also assessed. An exploratory factor analysis was carried out to examine the factor structure of the INAS. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with intentional non-adherence.

RESULTS

A total of 93 patients were included. The mean ± SD of INAS total score was 36.6 ± 16.2 (out of a maximum score of 110), with 33 subjects (35.5 %) having a minimum score of 22. The mean MPR was 98.2 ± 10.0 %, and the mean score for PANSS G12 was 1.8 ± 1.1. These suggested that they had well-preserved illness insight and good medication adherence. Exploratory factor analysis of the INAS revealed two factors, "Concern about medication" and "Confirming medication need". No variables were significantly associated with the INAS total score.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to evaluate intentional non-adherence in patients with schizophrenia. Intentional non-adherence was low in this population. Our findings should be interpreted in the context of patients presenting with relatively well-preserved insight and good medication adherence. Further investigations using the INAS are warranted to examine intentional non-adherence in patients with more diverse backgrounds.

Stakeholders' perspectives about challenges, strategies and outcomes of importance associated with adherence to appropriate polypharmacy in older patients - A qualitative study

Background

Older patients experience challenges when taking polypharmacy. Studies have applied different interventions to improve adherence to polypharmacy. However, inconsistencies in outcomes have impeded the synthesis of evidence. To generate high-quality studies and selectively report outcomes, a Core Outcome Set (COS) is advocated.

Objectives

This study explored stakeholders' perspectives about the challenges older patients face when taking polypharmacy, strategies to overcome each challenge, and outcomes of importance that may contribute to COS development.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with academics, healthcare professionals, and public participants. A series of open-ended questions investigated challenges with adherence to polypharmacy in older patients and strategies to overcome these challenges. A list of outcomes (n = 7) compiled from previous studies associated with adherence to polypharmacy was presented to participants for their views. Content analysis was conducted to identify key themes and outcomes proposed by participants.

Results

Participants suggested 11 multidimensional healthcare system-related, medication-related, patient-related, and socioeconomic-related challenges and 16 educational and behavioural strategies associated with adherence to polypharmacy in older patients. Participants agreed with the importance of the seven outcomes presented and suggested a further six outcomes they deemed to be important for use in trials aimed at improving adherence to appropriate polypharmacy in older patients.

Conclusions

Adherence to polypharmacy was deemed challenging, requiring supportive interventions. A list of 13 outcomes in the context of adherence to appropriate polypharmacy in older patients was identified to inform a future study that will develop a COS for clinical trials targeting interventions to improve adherence to appropriate polypharmacy in older patients.

Perceived sensitivity to medicines and medication concerns beliefs predict intentional nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy among young people living with HIV

Objective: Among the sources of antiretroviral therapy (ART) nonadherence are patient decisions to skip or stop taking their medications, often stemming from medication beliefs and concerns about side- effects. While individuals who perceive greater sensitivity to medicines may be prone to medication concerns, understanding how these factors contribute to HIV treatment adherence requires further research. The current study tested the direct and indirect effects of perceived sensitivity to medicines on intentional nonadherence to ART, and whether medication concerns mediate this association.

Methods: A sample of 418 younger (< 36 years of age) people living with HIV was recruited through community outreach to complete assessments of perceived sensitivity to medicines, medication concerns beliefs, adherence assessed by unannounced phone- based pill counts and HIV viral load, as well as monthly follow- up assessments of intentional nonadherence over a 15- month period.

Results: Analyses at baseline and prospective Poisson regression models conducted over 15- months converged to show that perceived sensitivity to medicines significantly predicted intentional nonadherence to ART through medication concerns.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that people who perceive greater sensitivity to medicines are prone to greater medication concerns that are related to intentional nonadherence. Cognitive behavioral interventions are needed to resolve medication concerns and reduce intentional nonadherence among people receiving ART.

Adherence to Parkinson's disease medication: A case study to illustrate reasons for non-adherence, implications for practice and engaging under-represented participants in research

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which primarily presents with the core symptoms of rigidity, postural instability, tremor, and bradykinesia. Non-adherence to prescribed PD treatments can have significant ramifications, such as poor symptom control and greater disease burden. Reasons for poor adherence are multifaceted, particularly when medication regimens are complex and often based on perceptual and practical barriers. Additionally, engaging fully non-adherent patients in research is challenging since they may have dropped out of service provision, yet their contribution is vital to fully understand the rationale for non-adherence. This paper aims to present a case study on the perspectives of one person with PD, a participant in a previously published qualitative study investigating the barriers and facilitators to medication adherence in PD. In this paper, the participant's diagnostic journey is described, and experiences of medical consultations are summarised to explain their reasons for not adhering to any of the standard UK PD treatments prescribed. The participant's preferences for using Vitamin B1 (thiamine) injections to manage the symptoms are reported and the rationale for doing so is discussed. We consider the case through the lens of a behavioural science approach, drawing on health psychology theory, the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), to inform the review and the practical challenges faced when analysing the data for this participant. Implications for pharmacy practice, in particular, are also put forward with view to ensuring that patients such as Mr. Wilkinson are provided with the opportunity to discuss treatment choices and self-management of long-term conditions such as PD. We also discuss the importance of reaching under-represented members of the population in medication adherence research, which embraces the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion in research.

A content analysis of medication adherence material in patient educational resources about gout

Objective

This study aimed to investigate how medication adherence is addressed in online gout resources in six countries. We investigated how often adherence was referred to, the strategies suggested to improve patient adherence, and the types of nonadherence that were targeted. We also examined the readability of the adherence material.

Methods

A content analysis was conducted on 151 online gout resources from medical and health organisations in six predominantly English-speaking countries. Two reviewers coded the content of the websites into categories (kappa 0.80). The analysis involved coding the resources for reasons for nonadherence, and adherence-promoting strategies. Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease scores and word count were also computed.

Results

Out of 151 websites examined, 77 websites discussed medication adherence (51%), with intentional nonadherence being more prevalent than unintentional nonadherence. 67 websites targeted different types of nonadherence, including drug-specific concerns (50%), misconceptions of gout curability and the necessity of medication (16%), forgetfulness (16%), and other practical challenges (5%). Strategies to promote adherence were found in one-third of the websites, with medication education being the most prevalent strategy (17%), followed by healthcare provider engagement (13%) and memory aid strategies (6%). On average, about 11% of the words (89.27, SD = 76.35) in the entire document were focused on adherence. Difficult reading comprehension was found in one-fifth of adherence-related websites.

Conclusion

Findings reveal limited medication adherence coverage and narrow strategies in online gout resources. Improved adherence portrayal is needed for effective gout management through comprehensive strategies and clear, understandable information.

Systematic Review Examining the Behavior Change Techniques in Medication Adherence Intervention Studies Among People With Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Although previous systematic reviews have studied medication adherence interventions among people with Type 2 diabetes (PwT2D), no intervention has been found to improve medication adherence consistently. Furthermore, inconsistent and poor reporting of intervention description has made understanding, replication, and evaluation of intervention challenging.

PURPOSE

We aimed to identify the behavior change techniques (BCTs) and characteristics of successful medication adherence interventions among PwT2D.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials with BCT-codable interventions designed to influence adherence to anti-diabetic medication for PwT2D aged 18 years old and above and have medication adherence measure as an outcome.

RESULTS

Fifty-five studies were included. Successful interventions tend to target medication adherence only, involve pharmacists as the interventionist, contain "Credible source" (BCT 9.1), "Instruction on how to perform the behaviour" (BCT 4.1), "Social support (practical)" (BCT 3.2), "Action planning" (BCT 1.4), and/ or "Information about health consequences" (BCT 5.1). Very few interventions described its context, used theory, examined adherence outcomes during the follow-up period after an intervention has ended, or were tailored to address specific barriers of medication adherence.

CONCLUSION

We identified specific BCTs and characteristics that are commonly reported in successful medication adherence interventions, which can facilitate the development of future interventions. Our review highlighted the need to consider and clearly describe different dimensions of context, theory, fidelity, and tailoring in an intervention.

Can Smartphone Notifications Help With Gout Management? A Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVE

This feasibility study aimed to assess the acceptability of using smartphone notifications to modify the medication beliefs of people with gout. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a smartphone application using the Technology Acceptance Model. We explored adherence rate differences and outcomes between the intervention and control groups.

METHODS

Fifty-two patients with gout who were prescribed allopurinol were randomly assigned to either active control (n = 24) or intervention group (n = 28). Over 3 months, both groups used the study app on their smartphones. The active control group received notifications about general health advice, whereas the intervention group received adherence-targeted notifications. The feasibility and acceptability of the smartphone app was measured through semistructured interviews. Adherence rate was assessed through serum urate levels and missed doses at 3 timepoints: baseline, 3 months (post intervention), and 6 months (follow-up).

RESULTS

The smartphone app demonstrated high feasibility, with strong participant retention and compliance. The participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the app's user-friendliness and content, highlighting its acceptability. Both groups showed a significant reduction in missed doses over time (P < 0.05), but no significant differences in serum urate levels were found between the groups. Patients who received adherence-targeted notifications reported finding it more convenient to take allopurinol and expressed higher overall treatment satisfaction throughout the study.

CONCLUSION

Adherence-targeted notifications have the potential to be an effective and scalable approach to supporting medication adherence in patients with gout. Further research is needed with larger samples to refine the components of the intervention and explore its optimal implementation.

Beliefs about Medicines and the Level of Intentional Non-Adherence to Treatment among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with First-Line Drugs

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. MS has no curable disease but drug modifying therapy (DMT) can delay the long-term disability progression of the disease. The effectiveness of MS treatment depends on the patient's adherence to therapy.

AIM

This study evaluated the level of intentional non-adherence and the relationship between beliefs about medication and the level of intentional non-adherence to treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 146 patients with relapsing-remitting MS were included. To assess different aspect of adherence, the Intentional Non-Adherence Scale (INAS) was used. For evaluating patients' beliefs and opinions regarding medication, the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) was used.

RESULTS

The mean total INAS score was 51.41 ± 27.83 points. Patients were most concerned about the necessity to take medication and least concerned about the harm caused by medication. The overuse and harm domains of the BMQ were significantly correlated with INAS scores (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Independent determinant of intentional non-adherence was overuse.

What Do We Know about Medication Adherence Interventions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Scoping Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

Purpose

Between 53% and 75% of people with inflammatory bowel disease, 30%-80% with rheumatoid arthritis, and up to 50% with multiple sclerosis do not take medications as prescribed to maintain remission. This scoping review aimed to identify effective adherence interventions for inflammatory bowel disease, but with few studies found, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis were included to learn lessons from other conditions.

Methods

Full and pilot randomised controlled trials testing medication adherence interventions for inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis conducted between 2012 and 2021 were identified in six electronic databases.

Results

A total of 3024 participants were included from 24 randomised controlled trials: 10 pilot and 14 full studies. Eight investigated inflammatory bowel disease, 12 rheumatoid arthritis, and four multiple sclerosis. Nine studies (37.5%) reported significantly improved medication adherence, all involving tailored, personalised education, advice or counselling by trained health professionals, with five delivered face-to-face and 1:1. Quality of effective interventions was mixed: five rated high quality, two medium and two low quality. Interventions predominantly using technology were likely to be most effective. Secondary tools, such as diaries, calendars and advice sheets, were also efficient in increasing adherence. Only 10 interventions were based on an adherence theory, of which four significantly improved adherence.

Conclusion

Tailored, face-to-face, 1:1 interactions with healthcare professionals were successful at providing personalised adherence support. Accessible, user-friendly technology-based tools supported by calendars and reminders effectively enhanced adherence. Key components of effective interventions should be evaluated and integrated further into clinical practice if viable, whilst being tailored to inflammatory conditions.

Beliefs about medicines in gout patients: results from the NOR-Gout 2-year study

OBJECTIVE

Adherence to urate-lowering therapy (ULT) in gout is challenging. This longitudinal study aimed to determine 2 year changes in beliefs about medicines during intervention with ULT.

METHOD

Patients with a recent gout flare and increased serum urate received a nurse-led ULT intervention with tight control visits and a treatment target. Frequent visits at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months included the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), and demographic and clinical variables. The BMQ subscales on necessity, concerns, overuse, harm, and the necessity-concerns differential were calculated as a measure of whether the patient perceived that necessity outweighed concerns.

RESULTS

The mean serum urate reduced from 500 mmol/L at baseline to 324 mmol/L at year 2. At years 1 and 2, 85.5% and 78.6% of patients, respectively, were at treatment target. The 2 year mean ± sd BMQ scores increased for the necessity subscale from 17.0 ± 4.4 to 18.9 ± 3.6 (p < 0.001) and decreased for the concerns subscale from 13.4 ± 4.9 to 12.5 ± 2.7 (p = 0.001). The necessity-concerns differential increased from 3.52 to 6.58 (p < 0.001), with a positive change independent of patients achieving treatment targets at 1 or 2 years. BMQ scores were not significantly related to treatment outcomes 1 or 2 years later, and achieving treatment targets did not lead to higher BMQ scores.

CONCLUSION

Patient beliefs about medicines improved gradually over 2 years, with increased beliefs in the necessity of medication and reduced concerns, but this improvement was unrelated to better outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12618001372279.

Self-reported medication adherence instruments and their applicability in low-middle income countries: a scoping review

Introduction

Medication non-adherence is an important public health issue, associated with poor clinical and economic outcomes. Globally, self-reported instruments are the most widely used method to assess medication adherence. However, the majority of these were developed in high-income countries (HICs) with a well-established health care system. Their applicability in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains unclear. The objective of this study is to systematically review the applicability of content and use of self-reported adherence instruments in LMICs.

Method

A scoping review informed by a literature search in Pubmed, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases was conducted to identify studies assessing medication adherence using self-reported instruments for patients with five common chronic diseases [hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, asthma, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)] in LMICs up to January 2022 with no constraints on publication year. Two reviewers performed the study selection process, data extraction and outcomes assessment independently. Outcomes focused on LMIC applicability of the self-reported adherence instruments assessed by (i) containing LMIC relevant adherence content; (ii) methodological quality and (iii) fees for use.

Findings

We identified 181 studies that used self-reported instruments for assessing medication adherence in LMICs. A total of 32 distinct types of self-reported instruments to assess medication adherence were identified. Of these, 14 self-reported instruments were developed in LMICs, while the remaining ones were adapted from self-reported instruments originally developed in HICs. All self-reported adherence instruments in studies included presented diverse potential challenges regarding their applicability in LMICs, included an underrepresentation of LMIC relevant non-adherence reasons, such as financial issues, use of traditional medicines, religious beliefs, lack of communication with healthcare provider, running out of medicine, and access to care. Almost half of included studies showed that the existing self-reported adherence instruments lack sufficient evidence regarding cross cultural validation and internal consistency. In 70% of the studies, fees applied for using the self-reported instruments in LMICs.

Conclusion

There seems insufficient emphasis on applicability and methodological rigor of self-reported medication adherence instruments used in LMICs. This presents an opportunity for developing a self-reported adherence instrument that is suitable to health systems and resources in LMICs.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022302215.

Medication nonadherence: health impact, prevalence, correlates and interventions

Nonadherence to medicines is a global problem compromising health and economic outcomes for individuals and society. This article outlines how adherence is defined and measured, and examines the impact, prevalence and determinants of nonadherence. It also discusses how a psychosocial perspective can inform the development of interventions to optimise adherence and presents a series of recommendations for future research to overcome common limitations associated with the medication nonadherence literature. Nonadherence is best understood in terms of the interactions between an individual and a specific disease/treatment, within a social and environmental context. Adherence is a product of motivation and ability. Motivation comprises conscious decision-making processes but also from more 'instinctive', intuitive and habitual processes. Ability comprises the physical and psychological skills needed to adhere. Both motivation and ability are influenced by environmental and social factors which influence the opportunity to adhere as well as triggers or cues to actions which may be internal (e.g. experiencing symptoms) or external (e.g. receiving a reminder). Systematic reviews of adherence interventions show that effective solutions are elusive, partly because few have a strong theoretical basis. Adherence support targeted at the level of individuals will be more effective if it is tailored to address the specific perceptions (e.g. beliefs about illness and treatment) and practicalities (e.g. capability and resources) influencing individuals' motivation and ability to adhere.

Psychosocial and behavioral correlates of self-efficacy in treatment adherence in older patients with comorbid hypertension and type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Adhering to clinical prescriptions is known to protect against the effects of uncontrolled hypertension and of acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes. Contextually, positive associations between self-care behaviors and psychological constructs, such as self-efficacy, are widely acknowledged in the literature. However, still little is known about the psychological factors underlying the patient's self-efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the psychosocial and behavioral correlates of self-efficacy related to treatment adherence in older patients with comorbid hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE

Italian and Polish patients (≥ 65 years; N = 180) consecutively responded to self-report questionnaires measuring psychosocial (i.e., beliefs about medicines, perceived physician's communication effectiveness, medication-specific social support, self-efficacy) and behavioral factors (i.e., pharmacological adherence, medications refill adherence, intentional non-adherence) related to treatment adherence. Between-group comparisons and regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Fisher's least significant difference (LSD) test showed significant differences between the Italian and Polish groups in all questionnaires (p < .01) with the Italian patients reporting more satisfactory scores. Younger age (β = .08, p = .045), female gender (β = 1.03, p = .042), higher medication refills adherence (β = -.07, p = .024), lower intentional non-adherence (β = -.03, p = .009), positive beliefs about medications (β = .13, p < .001), better quality of communication with the physician (β = .09, p < .001), and stronger perceived medication-specific social support (β = .06, p = .001) were significantly associated with self-efficacy related to treatment adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research and interventions should leverage psychosocial and behavioral factors to address self-efficacy contributing to enhancing adherence to clinical prescriptions.

Measurement Properties of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Medication Adherence in Cardiovascular Disease: A COSMIN Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Several medication adherence patient-reported outcome measures (MA-PROMs) are available for use in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, little evidence is available on the most suitable MA-PROM to measure medication adherence in patients with CVD. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise the measurement properties of MA-PROMs for patients with CVD and identify the most suitable MA-PROM for use in clinical practice or future research in patients with CVD.

METHODS

An electronic search of nine databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest Health and Medicine, Cochrane Library, PsychInfo, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science) was conducted to identify studies that have reported on at least one of the measurement properties of MA-PROMs in patients with CVD. The methodological quality of the studies included in the systematic review was evaluated using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist.

RESULTS

A total of 40 MA-PROMs were identified in the 84 included studies. This review found there is a lack of moderate-to-high quality evidence of sufficient content validity for all MA-PROMs for patients with CVDs. Only eight MA-PROMs were classified in COSMIN recommendation category A. They exhibited sufficient content validity with very low-quality evidence, and moderate-to-high quality evidence for sufficient internal consistency. The 28 MA-PROMs that meet the requirements for COSMIN recommendation category 'B' require further validation studies. Four MA-PROMs including Hill-Bone Compliance Medication Scale (HBMS), the five-item Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5), Maastricht Utrecht Adherence in Hypertension (MUAH), and MUAH-16 have insufficient results with high quality evidence for at least one measurement property and consequently are not recommended for use in patients with CVD. Two MA-PROMs (Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale [ARMS] and ARMS-7) are comprehensive and have moderate to high quality evidence for four sufficient measurement properties.

CONCLUSION

From the eight MA-PROMs in COSMIN recommendation category A, ARMS and ARMS-7 were selected as the most suitable MA-PROMs for use in patients with CVD. They are the most comprehensive with be best quality evidence to support their use in clinical practice and research.

Patient-reported outcome measures to detect intentional, mixed, or unintentional non-adherence to medication: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To categorise patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) into their propensity to detect intentional and/or unintentional non-adherence to medication, and synthesise their psychometric properties.

DESIGN

Systematic review and regression analysis.

ELIGIBILITY

Medication adherence levels studied at primary, secondary and tertiary care settings. Self-reported measures with scoring methods were included. Studies without proxy measures were excluded.

DATA SOURCES

Using detailed searches with key concepts including questionnaires, reliability and validity, and restricted to English, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Cochrane Library were searched until 01 March 2022. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 (PRISMA-2020) checklist was used.

DATA ANALYSIS

Risk of bias was assessed via COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN-2018) guidelines. Narrative synthesis aided by graphical figures and statistical analyses.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Process domains [behaviour (e.g., self-efficacy), barrier (e.g., impaired dexterity) or belief (e.g., perception)], and overall outcome domains of either intentional (I), unintentional (UI), or mixed non-adherence.

RESULTS

Paper summarises evidence from 59 studies of PROMs, validated among patients aged 18-88 years in America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, and Australasia. PROMs detected outcome domains: intentional non-adherence, n=44 (I=491 criterion items), mixed intentionality, n=13 (I=79/UI=50), and unintentional, n=2 (UI=5). Process domains detected include belief (383 criterion items), barrier (192) and behaviour (165). Criterion validity assessment used proxy measures (biomarkers, e-monitors), and scoring was ordinal, dichotomised, or used Visual Analogue Scale. Heterogeneity was revealed across psychometric properties (consistency, construct, reliability, discrimination ability). Intentionality correlated positively with negative beliefs (r(57)=0.88) and barriers (r(57)=0.59). For every belief or barrier criterion-item, PROMs' aptitude to detect intentional non-adherence increased by β=0.79 and β=0.34 units, respectively (R2=0.94). Primary care versus specialised care predicted intentional non-adherence (OR 1.9; CI 1.01 to 2.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Ten PROMs had adequate psychometric properties. Of the ten, eight PROMs were able to detect total, and two PROMs were able to detect partial intentionality to medication default. Fortification of patients' knowledge and illness perception, as opposed to daily reminders alone, is most imperative at primary care levels.

Treatment Adherence in Patients with Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

COPD is the third most common cause of death globally. Adherence rates in patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases usually range between 10% and 40%. The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of treatment adherence to inhaled therapy in patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases. A total of 325 patients, of mean age 63.04 ± 11.29, with COPD or asthma, were included into the study between 2020 and 2021. The following questionnaires were used: Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, Test of Adherence to Inhalers and Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale. The respondents tended to be convinced of the necessity of their medication (3.87 points per question). The patients reported moderate levels of overall adherence (21.15 ± 6.23). A total of 74% of patients demonstrated sporadic non-compliance. We conclude that patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases are moderately adherent to their medication. Beliefs about medicines have a significant impact on adherence to medications. Being unemployed, being a non-smoker and belief in the necessity of medication are independent determinants of better medication adherence. The number of hospital admissions due to exacerbations of the disease over the last year and belief that medicines are harmful are independent determinants of poorer medication adherence.

A glance into the future of gout

Gout is characterized by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposits in and within joints. These deposits result from persistent hyperuricaemia and most typically lead to recurrent acute inflammatory episodes (gout flares). Even though some aspects of gout are well characterized, uncertainties remain; this upcoming decade should provide further insights into many of these uncertainties. Synovial fluid analysis allows for the identification of MSU crystals and unequivocal diagnosis. Non-invasive methods for diagnosis are being explored, such as Raman spectroscopy and imaging modalities. Both ultrasound and dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) allow the detection of MSU crystals; this not only provides a mean of diagnosis, but also has furthered gout knowledge defining the presence of a preclinical deposition in asymptomatic hyperuricaemia. Scientific consensus establishes the beginning of gout as the beginning of symptoms (usually the first flare), but the concept is currently under review. For effective long-term gout management, the main goal is to promote crystal dissolution treatment by reducing serum urate below 6 mg/dL (or 5 mg/dL if faster crystal dissolution is required). Current urate-lowering therapies' (ULTs) options are limited, with allopurinol and febuxostat being widely available, and probenecid, benzbromarone, and pegloticase available in some regions. New xanthine oxidase inhibitors and, especially, uricosurics inhibiting urate transporter URAT1 are under development; it is probable that the new decade will see a welcomed increase in the gout therapeutic armamentarium. Cardiovascular and renal comorbidities are common in gout patients. Studies determining whether optimal treatment of gout will positively impact these comorbidities are currently lacking, but will hopefully be forthcoming. Overall, the single change that will most impact gout management is greater uptake of international rheumatology society recommendations. Innovative strategies, such as nurse-led interventions based on these recommendations have recently demonstrated treatment success for people with gout.

Medication Adherence and Belief about Medication among Vietnamese Patients with Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases Within the Context of Implementing Measures to Prevent COVID-19

Background: Long-term adherence is crucial for optimal treatment outcomes in chronic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), especially throughout the COVID-19 wide-spreading periods, making patients with chronic CVDs vulnerable subjects. Aim: To investigate the relationship between the characteristics, beliefs about prescribed medication, COVID-19 prevention measures, and medication adherence among patients with chronic CVDs. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of outpatients with chronic CVDs in Southern Vietnam. The specific parts regarding the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaires (BMQ—Specific) and the General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) were applied to assess the beliefs about and adherence to medication. The implementation measures to prevent COVID-19 in patients were evaluated according to the 5K message (facemask, disinfection, distance, no gathering, and health declaration) of the Vietnam Ministry of Health. A multivariable logistic regression with the Backward elimination (Wald) method was used to identify the associated factors of medication adherence. Results: A slightly higher score in BMQ-Necessity compared to BMQ-Concerns was observed. A total of 40.7% of patients were recorded as having not adhered to their medications. Patients’ behavior was most frequently self-reported by explaining their non-adherence (34.7%). Statistical associations were found between rural living place, unemployment status, no or only one measure(s) of COVID-19 prevention application, and medication adherence. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 spreading stage, patients generally showed a positive belief about medication when they rated the importance of taking it higher than its side effects. The data analysis suggested that rather than patients’ beliefs, the clinicians should consider the patient factors, including living place, employment, and the number of epidemic preventive measures applied for guiding the target patients for improving medication adherence.

Why do patients with gout not take allopurinol?

Objective

The objectives of this study were to examine the reasons patients give for non-adherence to allopurinol and examine differences in intentional non-adherence for patients with and without serum urate at treatment target.

Methods

Sixty-nine men with gout attending rheumatology clinics, all prescribed allopurinol for at least six months, completed the Intentional Non-Adherence Scale (INAS). Differences in the types of intentional non-adherence were analysed between those with and without a serum urate (SU) at treatment target (<0.36mmol/L, 6mg/dL).

Results

Among most frequently endorsed reasons for not taking their urate lowering medication was because participants wanted to lead a normal life (23%) or think of themselves as a healthy person again (20%). Patients also reported not taking allopurinol as way of testing if they really needed it (22%). Participants with SU above target endorsed significantly more INAS items as reasons for not taking their medicine, had higher medicine-related concerns and were more likely to give testing treatment as a reason for non-adherence. Participants who were younger, single and non-NZ European also endorsed more reasons for not taking their allopurinol.

Conclusion

Major reasons behind the decision not to take allopurinol relate to wanting to lead a normal life and the strategy of testing treatment to see if patients could reduce the dose without getting symptoms. The results provide some potentially modifiable targets for adherence interventions and also some indications to clinicians about how urate-lowering treatment may be purposely framed for patients in order to improve adherence.

Adherence, Mental Health and Illness Perceptions in Autoimmune Liver Disease: Looking Beyond Liver Function Tests

OBJECTIVES

Autoimmune liver disease is commonly diagnosed during adolescence; a period associated with a higher prevalence of non-adherence, mental health concerns and worse health outcomes. The aim of the study was to explore adherence patterns, mental health and illness perceptions in young people with autoimmune liver disease.

METHODS

Young people with autoimmune liver disease attending a multidisciplinary young adult clinic (16-25 years) completed an electronically administered questionnaire battery. Demographics and disease-related data were collected.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight (37 female), median age 17.9 (range 15-22) years completed the screening. Only 51.5% of patients were in remission (aspartate and alanine aminotransferase <36 IU//l) whereas 73% self-reported their adherence >80%. Compared to patients in remission, those not in remission required more immunosuppression, were more depressed and worried but reported a better understanding of their illness. A small but significant correlation was found between aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase and adherence percentage (r = -0.27, P < 0.05 and r = -0.29, P < 0.05 respectively). Age was inversely associated with adherence (r = -0.31, P < 0.05), and older patients were more worried (r = 0.44, P < 0.001) and emotionally affected by the condition (r = 0.32, P < 0.01). Adherence behaviours such as forgetting to take medications (63%), taking medications more frequently before attending appointments (44%) and not having a routine for medications (31%) were prevalent, 7% reported intentional non-adherence.

CONCLUSION

Sup-optimal adherence to treatment is common in young people with autoimmune liver disease and associated with mental health problems and certain illness perceptions. Routine exploration of adherence beliefs and barriers to adherence in a non-judgmental, collaborative way is essential to improve outcome in this vulnerable population.

Perceived sensitivity to medicines and the experience of side-effects: understanding intentional medication nonadherence among people living with HIV

Patient initiated decisions to forgo taking medications (i.e. intentional nonadherence) pose significant challenges to managing chronic health conditions. Identifying factors and their underlying mechanisms that impede medication adherence is essential to designing treatment improvement interventions. This study tested a conceptual model that posits the effects of perceived sensitivity to medicines on adherence can be explained by the experience of side-effects, leading to intentionally nonadherent behaviors. Patients receiving HIV care in the southern United States (N = 209) completed measures of perceived sensitivity to medicines, antiretroviral therapy (ART) side-effects, intentional nonadherence and overall adherence. Patients also provided consent to access their electronic medical records to collect subsequent reports of HIV viral load tests. Results indicated that more than one in four participants were intentionally nonadherent to ART. Mediation modeling showed that perceived sensitivity to medicines was associated with greater experience of ART side-effects and intentional nonadherence, which impacted overall ART adherence and HIV viral load. There were also significant indirect effects of perceived sensitivity to medicines on HIV viral load through side-effects and intentional nonadherence. Patients with increased perceived sensitivity to medicines are at risk for poor treatment outcomes and these negative outcomes are partly explained by experiencing greater side-effects and intentional nonadherence.

Portuguese Version of the Intentional Non-Adherence Scale: Validation in a Population of Chronic Pain Patients

Objective: Despite the effectiveness of pain medicines, nonadherence to prescribed medication remains a major problem faced by healthcare systems. The aim of present study was to perform the translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the Intentional Non-Adherence Scale (INAS) for the European Portuguese language in a sample of chronic pain patients.

Methods: A Portuguese version of the INAS scale was constructed through a process of translation, back translation, and expert’s panel evaluation. A total of 133 chronic pain patients were selected from two chronic pain clinics from tertiary hospitals in Porto, Portugal. The protocol interview included the assessment of pain beliefs (PBPI), beliefs about medicine (BMQ), medication adherence (MARS-P9), and two direct questions about adherence previously validated.

Results: The internal consistency in all subscales was α = 0.902 for testing treatment; α = 0.930 for mistrust treatment; α = 0.917 for resisting treatment; and α = 0.889 for resisting illness. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed a four-factor structure that explained 74% of the variance. The construct validity of the INAS was shown to be adequate, with the majority of the previously defined hypotheses regarding intercorrelations with other measures confirmed.

Conclusion: The Portuguese version of INAS could be a valuable and available instrument for Portuguese researchers and clinicians to assess the intentional nonadherence determinants during the management of chronic pain.

Impact of Beliefs about Medicines on the Level of Intentional Non-Adherence to the Recommendations of Elderly Patients with Hypertension

Background: Non-adherence to pharmaceutical treatment is one of the most common causes of uncontrolled hypertension. Non-adherence may be intentional or unintentional. In the case of intentional non-adherence, it is crucial to understand the reasons behind it. The literature increasingly addresses the issue of beliefs and concerns about medication, but studies on this subject performed in a Polish population of hypertensive patients are still lacking. The aim of the study was to assess the level of intentional non-adherence among patients with hypertension, and to determine the relationship between beliefs about medication and the level of intentional non-adherence to treatment in elderly patients with hypertension. Material and methods: The study included 300 patients (106 of whom were male, mean age (SD) 71.71 (8.12) years) with hypertension, treated at a hypertension clinic. The following instruments were used: the Intentional Non-Adherence Scale (INAS) for evaluating intentional non-adherence, and the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) for evaluating patients’ beliefs and opinions regarding medication. Socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained from patients’ medical records. Results: The mean (SD) INAS score in the study was 47.28 (19.12). Patients were most concerned about the harm caused by medication, and least concerned about the necessity to take medication (mean score per item 3.49 vs. 2.14). Correlation analysis demonstrated weak correlations between BMQ and INAS: higher scores for necessity were associated with more intentional non-adherence (r = 0.174, p = 0.003), while higher scores for overuse, harm, and concerns were associated with less intentional non-adherence (respectively: r = −0.253, p < 0.001 vs. r = −0.336, p < 0.001 vs. r = −0.351, p < 0.001). In multiple-factor analysis, factors increasing the level of intentional non-adherence were elderly age (β = −0.352, p = 0.009), multimorbidity (β = −2.374, p = 0.035), and a higher BMQ concerns score (β = −1.376, p < 0.001), while being single was an independent predictor decreasing intentional non-adherence (β = 5.646, p = 0.013). Conclusions: The overall level of intentional non-adherence among patients with hypertension is moderate, but approximately one third of patients with hypertension demonstrate a high level of non-adherence. Independent determinants of intentional non-adherence include concerns, elderly age, multimorbidity, and being single.

Development and validation of a questionnaire to determine medical orders non-adherence: a sequential exploratory mixed-method study

Background

Patients’ non-adherence with medical orders of physicians in outpatient clinics can lead to reduced clinical effectiveness, inadequate treatment, and increased medical care expenses. This study was conducted to develop and validate a questionnaire to determine the reasons for patients’ non-adherence with physicians’ medical orders.

Methods

A sequential exploratory mixed-method study was conducted in two stages. The first stage comprised a qualitative stage to generate the primary items of the questionnaire. This stage provided findings of two sub-stages comprising a literature review and the findings of a qualitative conventional content analysis of 19 semi-structured interviews held with patients, physicians, and managers of the outpatient clinics in Kerman, an area located in southeastern Iran. The second stage comprised a quantitative study aiming evaluation of the instrument psychometric properties, including the face, content, construct, and reliability assessment of the questionnaire. Construct validity assessment was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The reliability assessment was done using assessing internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha). To assess the construct validity of the questionnaire, four hundred and forty patients referred to outpatient clinics in Kerman were selected using stratified convenience sampling to fill out the questionnaire. The sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed by MAXQDA 10 and Stata version 14, respectively.

Results

The primary items contained 57 items, of which 42 met the minimum acceptable value of 0.78 for item-level content validity index (I-CVI = 1 for 24 items and I-CVI = 0.8 for 18 items). Item-level content validity ratio (I-CVR) was confirmed for 18 items with a minimum acceptable value of 0.99 for five experts. Finally, 18 items obtained the acceptable value for both I-CVI and I-CVR indicators and were confirmed. Using EFA, four factors (intrapersonal-psychological, intrapersonal-cognitive, provider-related, and socio-economic reasons) with 18 items and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.70, 0.66, 0.73, and 0.71, respectively, were identified and explained 51% of the variance. The reliability of the questionnaire (r = 0.70) was confirmed.

Conclusion

The questionnaire with four dimensions is a valid and reliable instrument that can help determine the perceived reasons for non-adherence with medical orders in the outpatient services system.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06147-3.

What Potentially Modifiable Factors are Associated With Treatment Nonadherence in Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency? A Quantitative Study

OBJECTIVE

A recent systematic review reported that up to 71% of patients with growth hormone deficiency and their families are nonadherent to treatment as prescribed. Nonadherence to growth hormone treatment presents a substantial and costly problem for the patient, health care provider, and health care system. The current study uniquely investigated the potentially modifiable factors associated with treatment nonadherence in this endocrine disorder.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study was conducted among 82 parent/caregivers of children with growth hormone deficiency who were receiving growth hormone treatment. Self-report questionnaires investigated parent/caregiver perceptions and experiences of their child's condition and prescribed treatment, in addition to their perceived relationship with their health care professional. The 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale was used for the assessment of treatment adherence.

RESULTS

Sixty-two percent of parents/caregivers were found to be nonadherent to growth hormone treatment as prescribed. Illness perceptions (consequences, identity, and coherence) and treatment concerns were found to be significantly associated with treatment adherence, as was the quality of the health care professional-parent/caregiver relationship.

CONCLUSION

The study confirmed the extent of the adherence problem evident among the pediatric growth hormone deficiency population. In addition, it presented an insight into the explanatory factors that underpin nonadherence to growth hormone treatment. Our findings can be used to inform the development of adherence-focused interventions, with the purpose of supporting patients and their families and improving the use of prescribed growth hormone treatment within endocrine clinical practice.

When symptoms become side effects: Development of the side effect attribution scale (SEAS)

OBJECTIVES

Symptom misattribution is a central process in the nocebo effect but it is not accurately assessed in current side effect measures. We have developed a new measure, the Side Effect Attribution Scale (SEAS), which examines the degree to which people believe their symptoms are treatment side effects.

METHODS

The SEAS was tested in three New Zealand studies: a vaccination sample (n = 225), patients with gout or rheumatoid arthritis (n = 102), and patients switching to a generic medicine (n = 69). The internal reliability of the scale was examined using Cronbach's alpha. To assess validity, the Side Effect Attribution Total Score and Side Effect Attribution Binary Score were related to a number of psychological measures associated with side effect reporting.

RESULTS

The scale showed good internal reliability across the three studies, with Cronbach alphas ranging from 0.840 to 0.943. Analysis of the effect sizes showed that the Attribution Total Score was generally more strongly associated with nocebo responding than Attribution Binary Score. Participants had greater Side Effect Attribution Total Scores if they had higher expectations for vaccination side effects (r = 0.18, p = .028), more worry about future vaccine effects (r = 0.16, p = .046), a higher perceived sensitivity to medicines (r = 0.50, p < .001), greater anxiety (r = 0.25, p = .016), greater intentional non-adherence (r = 0.30, p = .003), greater medicine information seeking (r = 0.26, p = .010), lower trust in pharmaceutical agencies (r = -0.29, p = .026), and lower medicine efficacy beliefs (r = -0.46, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The SEAS provides a more nuanced assessment of symptom attribution beliefs. It appears to be more sensitive measure than just a side effect total, as it is associated with a greater number of relevant psychological variables. Future research should examine the scale in other populations and settings.

Application of the common sense model in inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this paper was to undertake a systematic review of the research utilizing the Common Sense Model (CSM) involving IBD cohorts to explain the psychosocial processes, including illness perceptions and coping styles, that underpin patient reported outcomes (PROs) - psychological distress (PD) and quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

Adult studies were identified through systematic searches of 8 bibliographic databases run in August 2020 including Medline, Embase, and PsychINFO. No language or year limits were applied.

RESULTS

Of 848 records identified, 516 were selected with seven studies evaluating the CSM mediating pathways for final review (n = 918 adult participants). Consistent with the CSM, illness perceptions were associated with PD and QoL in six and five studies respectively. Illness perceptions acted as mediators, at least partially, on the relationship between IBD disease activity and PD and/or QoL in all seven studies. Coping styles, predominantly maladaptive-based coping styles, were found to act as mediators between illness perceptions and PD and/or QoL in five studies. Perceived stress was identified in one study as an additional psychosocial process that partially explained the positive influence of illness perceptions on PD, and a negative impact on QoL. Five studies were classified as high quality and two as moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

The CSM can be utilised in IBD cohorts to evaluate key psychosocial processes that influence PROs. Future research should explore additional psychosocial processes within the CSM and evaluate the efficacy of targeting CSM processes to promote psychological well-being and QoL in IBD cohorts.

Internalized and Anticipated Stigmatization in Patients With Gout

Objective

To investigate the relationship between stigma perception and demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables.

Methods

A sample of 50 patients with gout and prescribed urate‐lowering medication (84% were males, mean serum urate 0.34 mmol/l) completed questionnaires on internalized and anticipated stigma, demographics, clinical gout‐related variables, and psychosocial variables (illness perceptions, illness‐related disability, illness‐related body satisfaction, intentional nonadherence). Serum urate level was obtained from the most recent blood test.

Results

In this sample, 26% experienced internalized stigma, 26% expected to be stigmatized by friends or family members, and 14% by health care workers. Univariate regression analyses showed that younger age, ethnicity other than New Zealand European, increased severity of gout pain, cognitive and emotional illness perceptions, greater illness‐related disability, and increased intentional nonadherence to urate‐lowering medication were associated with increased internalized and anticipated stigma. Younger age, emotional illness response, and intentional nonadherence were the only variables explaining incremental variance of the experience of anticipated stigma in a multivariate regression model.

Conclusion

Internalized and anticipated illness‐related stigma was reported by a subgroup of patients with gout. The experience of stigma is associated with younger age, a negative emotional illness response, and intentions to not adhere with a medical treatment.

Exploring Potentially Modifiable Factors That Influence Treatment Non-Adherence Amongst Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Qualitative Study

INTRODUCTION

A recent systematic review found that up to 71% of children with growth hormone deficiency and their families are non-adherent to treatment as prescribed. A key way to better understanding the complex issue of pediatric non-adherence is to explore the perceptions and experiences of the parent/caregiver. Our study is the first to look specifically at the potentially modifiable factors that influence non-adherence to rhGH treatment amongst parents/caregivers of children with this endocrine disorder.

METHODS

Fourteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to explore parents/caregivers' perceptions and experiences of their child's condition and prescribed treatment, in addition to their perceived relationship with their healthcare professional. The findings were thematically analyzed and narratively synthesized, in line with the qualitative approach of Braun and Clarke (2006).

RESULTS

Potentially modifiable factors that influence non-adherence to growth hormone treatment were grouped under four themes: 1. Device Burdens, 2. Treatment Considerations, 3. Logistical Interferences and 4. Interpersonal Influences.

CONCLUSION

Our exploratory study presents the wide range of potentially modifiable factors that influence the way in which growth hormone treatment is used. These findings can, in turn, be used to inform and promote the development of targeted, adherence-focused interventions, to support growth hormone deficient children and their families and optimize the use of prescribed growth hormone treatment within endocrine clinical practice.

Psychosocial Predictors of Self-Efficacy Related to Self-Reported Adherence in Older Chronic Patients Dealing with Hypertension: A European Study

PURPOSE

Non-adherence to clinical prescriptions is widely recognized as the most common cause of uncontrolled hypertension, contributing to develop acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases. Specifically, patients' unintentional non-adherence is related to psychosocial factors as beliefs about medications, perceived physician's communication effectiveness and medication-specific social support. The aim of this study was to observe the impact of these factors on self-efficacy in relation to pharmacological and non-pharmacological self-reported adherence among older chronic patients with hypertension.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This research had a cross-sectional, observational and multicentre study design. Italian inpatients under rehabilitation, and Polish inpatients/outpatients were recruited. Following a cognitive screening, socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained. Data on clinical and behavioral adherence (i.e., pharmacological adherence, adherence to refill medicines, intentional non-adherence) and psychosocial factors related to treatment adherence (i.e., beliefs about medicines, physician's communication skills, medication-specific social support, psychological antecedents and self-efficacy) were collected with self-report questionnaires.

RESULTS

A total of 458 patients were recruited. Fischer's LSD post hoc test revealed significant differences between Italian and Polish samples in all measures (p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed low self-reported intentional non-adherence (β = -.02, p=0.031), high self-reported adherence to refill medications (β=-.05, p=0.017), high levels of perceived physician's communication effectiveness (β=0.11, p<0.001), positive beliefs about medications (β=0.13, p<0.001), and high perceived medication-specific social support (β=0.05, p<0.001) to predict significantly high patients' self-efficacy in relation to pharmacological and non-pharmacological self-reported adherence.

CONCLUSION

The observed psychosocial and behavioral factors revealed to positively impact on self-efficacy in relation to treatment adherence among older chronic patients dealing with hypertension. In a prevention framework, future studies and clinical practice may consider these factors in order to improve assessment and intervention on adherence in this population.

Making the right thing the easy thing to do: strategies to improve outcomes in gout

The burden of gout is increasing worldwide. Although urate-lower ing drugs have been available for more than half a century, the initiation and persistence of urate-lowering therapy remain low. Health-care system, practitioner, and patient barriers contribute to the clinical inertia in gout management. Pervasive beliefs about gout as a disease of an indulgent lifestyle that should be managed primarily with dietary modification are key barriers that prevent patients from receiving effective therapy. In light of safety concerns about newer urate-lowering medications, allopurinol, an inexpensive generic medication, is likely to remain the first-line urate-lowering therapy for the foreseeable future. Ensuring that allopurinol is optimally and persistently prescribed is a priority for improved gout management. A health literacy approach that focuses on patient understanding of gout as a chronic disease that requires behaviour change to take long term urate-lowering therapy is important. This approach provides a clear rationale for long-term urate-lowering therapy that is able to dissolve the monosodium urate crystals and ultimately prevent the symptoms of gout. Patient-centred models that use the skills of nurses and pharmacists to facilitate patient understanding can lead to major improvements in gout care. Additionally, systematic quality improvement approaches within practices, while reducing inconvenience and cost to patients, should be a priority.