Title:Medication Non-adherence in Patients with Osteoporosis: Implications for Clinical Pharmacists and Osteoporosis Care Providers
Volume: 15
Issue: 3
Author(s): Anan S. Jarab*, Tareq L. Mukattash and Hayat Hilan
Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110,Jordan
Keywords:
Osteoporosis, medication, fractures, pharmacotherapy, asymptomatic, orthotic, orthopedic, rehabilitation medicine.
Abstract:
Background: Poor adherence to the prescribed therapy leads to low bone mineral density
and enhance the development of osteoporosis complications and unnecessary hospitalization.
Objective: To explore factors associated with medication non-adherence in patients with osteoporosis.
Findings would help guide the development of future pharmaceutical care interventions aim at
improving health outcomes for patients with osteoporosis.
Methods: The study was conducted at an outpatient osteoporosis clinic at the Royal Medical Services
Hospital. Variables including socio-demographics and medical factors were collected using
medical records and custom-designed questionnaire. Medication adherence was assessed using the
validated 4-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Logistic regression was performed to develop
a model with variables that best predicted medication non-adherence in patients with osteoporosis
in Jordan.
Results: A total of 296 patients participated in the study. Most of the study participants (72.3%)
were found non-adherent. Patients were found less likely to adhere to the prescribed medications
with each unit increase in the number of prescribed medications (OR = 2.503, CI = 1.103-5.680)
and if they did not have a trust in the efficacy of the medications (OR = 5.544, CI = 0.990-31.058).
Conclusion: Medication adherence for patients with osteoporosis has considered scope for improvement
in Jordan. Simplifying dosage regimen in addition to taking patients’ preferences when
selecting the medications should be taken into account in future interventions designed to improve
health outcomes for patients with osteoporosis.