Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Viji P. C.*, Sreejith K. and Dr. M. Sreelatha

Abstract

Background: Medication adherence has equal importance as the treatment because potential benefits of medical treatment are depending on the medication adherence. The progression of the disease into chronic stage can be controlled or extended by improving medication adherence. Objectives: To assess medication adherence in patients with chronic kidney disease and relation between stage of chronic kidney disease and medication adherence. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at Nephrology department of Govt. Medical College, Calicut. Medication adherence was assessed by Morisky medication adherence questionnaire (8 items). Patient’s divided into 5 groups depending on the stage of chronic kidney disease. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using Modification of diet in renal disease equation. Results: 210 patients were enrolled in the study. Medication adherence of study population was found to be, 51.4% are highly adherent to therapy, followed by 38.1% with medium adherence and 10.5% with low adherence. There is no relation between stage of chronic kidney disease and medication adherence. Conclusion: About half of the populations are highly adherent to therapy. Nonadherence may lead to early progression of the disease. Health care professionals should actively participate in educational programs to increase medication adherence and to reduce effect of barriers.

Keywords: Medication adherence, Morisky medication adherence questionnaire, chronic kidney disease.