RESUMO
Background: Non-adherence to medication schedules by patients with chronic illnesses can have serious consequences, including poor clinical outcomes, higher hospitalization rates, and increased healthcare costs. Hypothyroidism is a chronic illness with simple treatment, yet non-compliance is common.
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate treatment adherence to levothyroxine therapy in Lebanese population by estimating the proportion of adherent hypothyroidism patients and assess factors affecting the adherence to treatment.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey between May and July 2015 included 337 patients. Patients were approached by a community pharmacist during their visit to buy their levothyroxine drug and were asked to fill the questionnaire.
Results: Among these patients, 14.5% showed high adherence, 30.6% medium adherence, and 54.9% low adherence to medication. The mean adherence score was 5.53 ± 1.86 points. The results of a logistic regression showed that age [ORa=1.036], visiting the endocrinologist once every month [ORa=27.77], and the fact that the physician gave the patient information about the disease [ORa=2.898] would significantly increase the adherence to the medication. In addition, having one [ORa=0.365] or two comorbidities [ORa=0.232] in addition to hypothyroidism, postponing/cancelling medical appointments at the last minute [ORa=0.358], the number of waterpipe smoked per week [ORa=0.621] and the number of alcohol glasses drunk per week [ORa=0.631] would significantly decrease the adherence score.
Conclusion: Educational programmes should be implemented, doctor-patient and pharmacist-patient relationship could be improved and new treatment regimens be considered in order to enhance patient adherence