Barriers to hydroxyurea adherence and health‐related quality of life in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease
Year: 2017
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives To identify barriers to hydroxyurea adherence (negative beliefs, access, and/or recall barriers), and their relationship to adherence rates and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among adolescents and young adults (AYA) with sickle cell disease (SCD). Methods A cross‐sectional survey was administered to 34 AYAs (12‐22 years old) in SCD clinics from January to December 2015. Study measures included Brief Medication Questionnaire, Modified Morisky Adherence Scale 8‐items, visual analog scale, and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. Results Participants (59% male; 91% Black) had a median age of 13.5 years (IQR 12‐18). Participants reported negative beliefs (32%), recall barriers (44%), and access barriers (32%). Participants with recall barriers reported worse pain (P=.02), fatigue (P=.05), and depression (P=.05). The number of adherence barriers inversely correlated with adherence level using ©MMAS‐8 (rs=−.38, P=.02) and VASdose (rs=−.25, P=.14) as well as MCV (rs=−.45, P=.01) and HbF% (rs=−.36, P=.05), suggesting higher hydroxyurea adherence in patients with fewer barriers. Conclusions Patients with fewer barriers to hydroxyurea adherence were more likely to have higher adherence rates and better HRQOL scores. Routine assessment of hydroxyurea adherence and its related barriers could provide actionable information to improve adherence rates, HRQOL, and other clinical outcomes.
Source: European Journal Of Haematology
DOI: 10.1111/ejh.12878
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,650
OpenAlex ID: W2596033148