Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF MEDICATION ADHERENCE AMONG PATIENTS WITH THYROID DYSFUNCTION IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE – A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Saranya D.*, Jayakrishnan S. S. and Rajasekharan C.

Abstract

The thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroxin, tri-iodothyronine and calcitonin. These hormones are responsible for regulating growth and development through rate of metabolism. Over/under production of thyroid hormones results in different types of diseases mainly hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Patient medication adherence is an important factor in determining the treatment outcome of any disease. Poor adherence has been found to be associated with development of complications, disease progression, premature disability and death. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of adherence and the factors associated with non-adherence to thyroid medication in 273 patients attended the OPD of General Medicine, Govt. Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, were interviewed using Morisky-8-item and Brief Medication questionnaires for a period of six months. Most of the patients were females and belongs to the age group of 21-50 years. The overall adherence level was found to be 30% according to Morisky-8- item questionnaire and 30.4% according to BMQ. The study also identified that forgetfulness, felt better and stopped, cost of medication and lack of access to drug store/hospital were the major reasons behind nonadherence to medication.

Keywords: Adherence, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Non-adherence, T4.