Work

Medication adherence and its determinants among non-communicable disease patients in rural area of Bihar, India: Insights for improving treatment outcomes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health challenge globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India. Effective management of NCDs requires strict adherence to prescribed medications, yet non-adherence remains a significant barrier. Understanding the factors that influence medication adherence is, therefore, crucial for developing effective interventions to improve health outcomes. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of medication adherence and identify factors influencing adherence among NCD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 241 NCD patients in rural areas in the state of Bihar, India, using a semi-structured questionnaire comprise of Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) to assess adherence, Family APGAR scale to assess family support scale, and Barthel's Index to assess functional independence. Chi-square and Fischer's exact tests were employed on IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) to determine association. Results: = 0.003). Participants over 60 years of age and from joint or extended families were more likely to adhere to their medication. Conclusion: Developing and implementing community-based strategies involving family members and caregivers, especially in LMIC, are important for improving medication adherence among NCD patients and, thereby, treatment outcome.

Source: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care

DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_222_25