Predictors of medication adherence Using multi dimensional adherence Models in breast cancer patients North kerala

Abstract

Medication adherence is critical for effective cancer management, newlineincluding breast cancer, which poses a significant global health challenge. This newlinestudy aimed to assess the levels of medication adherence among breast cancer newlinepatients in northern Kerala and identify factors that influenced adherence rates newlineand patient outcomes. newlineData collection was conducted using a structured, validated questionnaire, newlinewhich received copyright protection from the Intellectual Property Rights newlineGovernment of India on 7/11/2023. The questionnaire comprising of 86 items newlinebased on the domains of WHO adherence model was administered during the newlinewaiting period at the Oncology outpatient department (OPD). This instrument newlineensured consistency in data collection, reducing potential biases and gathering newlinenuanced data from participants. Social desirability bias was mitigated by newlinecross-validating random samples with immediate caregivers. newlineThe cross sectional study included women aged 18 and above, diagnosed newlinewith breast cancer, and undergoing treatment. Data analysis involved newlinedescriptive statistics to summarize adherence levels, with patterns and newlinerelationships between adherence and different demographic, clinical, or newlinebehavioral variables assessed using the Chi-square test. Multiple logistic newlineregressions estimated the degree of variation these factors contributed to newlineadherence. newlineResults indicated that 59.0% of participants did not adhere to their newlinetreatment regimen. Key factors affecting adherence included health literacy, newlinesocioeconomic status, social support, treatment regimen complexity, and travel newlinecosts. Higher health literacy and social support correlated with better adherence, newlinewhile socioeconomic barriers and travel costs had a negative impact. Digital newlineinterventions like mobile health (mHealth) applications and Medication Event newlineMonitoring Systems (MEMS) is essential in improving adherence through newlinecontinuous support and real-time tracking. newlineIn conclusion, addressing financial, logistical, and support barriers through newlineeducational initiatives, financial aid,