Publication: A Cross-Sectional Study of Medication Adherence Pattern and Factors Affecting the Adherence in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered as a major health
problem, associated with mortality and morbidities. Various disease management
strategies have been established to optimize patient’s longevity and functional
status where patient adherence to the prescribed treatment plays a key role. Poor
adherence to medication is common among COPD patients and is affected by number
of factors like number of medicines, delivery devices and patient-related factors.
Objective
This study aims to investigate the adherence pattern in the management of COPD
and factors affecting patient adherence to the prescribed treatment.
Method
This study is a cross-sectional study which was conducted in a tertiary care hospital.
Those patients suffering from COPD of all age were enrolled in this study and prior
informed consent was obtained from patients. The structured questionnaire was
used to interview those patients.
Result
Total 100 patients were enrolled in this study, among which most patients (45%) were
of age groups 60-70 years. Unintentional non-adherence to medication attributed for
65% of patients and the major reason was forgetfulness (52.3%). Most patients had
discontinued the medication due to experience of side effects (63.3%). The result
showed significant association between adherence and polypharmacy (p=0.00).
However, there was no significant association between adherence and age, sex,
mode of administration of drugs, technics to use delivery devices etc.
Conclusion
Majority of COPD patients were elderly (mean age= 68.4 years). Forgetfulness was
associated with medication non-adherence. Most of the patients had discontinued
medication because of side effects. Polypharmacy is one of the major factors
associated with non-adherence to medication in COPD.
KEY WORDS
Adherence, COPD, Dhulikhel Hospital, non-adherence, polypharmacy
Description
Shrestha R,1,2 Pant A,1,3 Shakya Shrestha S,1,2 Shrestha B,1,3 Gurung RB,4 Karmacharya BM5
1Department of Pharmacology
School of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu University
2Research & Development Division
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital
3Department of Human Biology
Schools of Science & Medical Sciences
Kathmandu University
4Department of Internal Medicine
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital
5Department of Community Program
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital
Keywords
Adherence, COPD, Dhulikhel Hospital, Non-adherence, Polypharmacy