title: [Adherence to medication among patients with Parkinson's disease treated at a specialized outpatient unit].
abstract: Parkinson's disease is universal and the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease among the elderly affecting between 0.5 and 1% of the population between 65 and 69 years of age. Adherence to medication is considered the main determinant for the effectiveness of treatment, but only recently has it been studied in patients with Parkinson's disease. This cross-sectional and descriptive study assessed adherence to medication in 112 patients with Parkinson's disease who regularly attended the movement disorder outpatient unit at the Hospital das Clinicas of the School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, using the Morisky and Green test and an instrument that assesses attitudes of medicine intake (IAAFTR). Of the patients interviewed, 53% failed to adhere to treatment and 52% did not take the medication at the correct time. Patients should receive guidance about the importance of taking their medication at the correct time, understanding the benefits that adherence to medication can provide. They should also be aware that doses not taken, taken in excess or not taken at the prescribed times can reduce their response to treatment, having a negative effect on the clinical outcome and quality of life, thereby generating higher costs to public health in the country.
authors.affiliation: Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre. 14040-902 Ribeirao Preto SP, Brazil. katia.marchi@usp.br
authors.forename: Katia Colombo
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Marchi
authors.forename: Marcos Hortes Nisihara
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Chagas
authors.forename: Vitor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tumas
authors.forename: Adriana Inocenti
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Miasso
authors.forename: José Alexandre de Souza
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Crippa
authors.forename: Carlos Renato
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Tirapelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016903:Drug Monitoring
chemical_list: D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D007980:Levodopa