title: Cholesterol lowering medication - patients' knowledge, attitudes and experiences.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite evidence of the efficacy of cholesterol lowering medication, it is known there is suboptimal patient adherence to this medication. The aim of this study is to investigate patient knowledge, attitudes and experiences of their cholesterol lowering medication, and explore patient views regarding programs to support self management.
  
  
  METHODS
  A semiqualitative exploratory study using semistructured telephone interviews of adult patients with poorly controlled hyperlipidaemia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-six patients were interviewed. Most patients could name at least one risk factor for their hyperlipidaemia. Approximately one-third of patients reported they did not understand the reasons they were taking their cholesterol medication and over two-thirds did not understand how their medication worked. Most reported that their general practitioner was their main source of information about cholesterol. Many expressed a desire to be better informed about cholesterol, its risk factors and medication and that an information session at their local general practice clinic would be useful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides preliminary evidence that patients on long term statin therapy may have gaps in their knowledge about their condition and treatment options and a desire to be better informed.
authors: School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. angela.gialamas@adelaide.edu.au
authors: Angela
authors: A
authors: Gialamas
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Aylward
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Vanlint
authors: Nigel P
authors: NP
authors: Stocks
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012648:Self Care; D013021:South Australia
chemical_list: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors