Medication adherence among patients with cardiovascular diseases: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Medication adherence has been recognised as one of the greatest areas to improve health outcomes and reduce health expenditure. Poor medication adherence has multifactorial causes that need to be understood. Aim: To determine the levels of medication adherence and examine the factors associated with medication adherence among patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design was used to conduct this study. A convenience sample was used to recruit 250 patients with CVDs from outpatient clinics of Jordanian hospitals. Data were collected using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, in addition to sociodemographic and clinical-related factors during the period from June to September 2019. Results: It was found that the total mean score of medication adherence was 2.84 (standard deviation = 1.9), which reflected low adherence. A significant positive correlation was found between medication adherence and marital status and the number of diseases. However, smoking was negatively correlated with medication adherence. Smoking was the predictor of medication adherence. Conclusions: Medication adherence among patients with CVDs needs to be improved. Thus, healthcare professionals should develop strategies and interventions based on identifying factors to enhance medication adherence among those patients.