title: [Non-adherence to continuous treatment and associated factors: prevalence and determinants in adults 40 years and older].
abstract: This study investigates factors associated with non-adherence to continuous drug therapy in individuals 40 years and older. A population-based survey was conducted in Cambé, Paraná State, Brazil. Treatment adherence was assessed with the four-item Morisky et al. medication adherence scale. The study also assessed socio-demographic variables and health services access and use of medication. Among 1,180 interviewees, 78% reported use of medication, with continuous use in 55%. The study analyzed 639 individuals, the majority female, ranging from 40 to 59 years of age, with low schooling, and from socioeconomic stratum C (on a scale from A to E). Prevalence of non-adherence was 63.5%. Mean therapeutic complexity was 8.1. After adjusted analysis, the following factors remained associated with non-adherence: not being assisted by community health workers, discontinuous access to medication, and high frequency of medication throughout the day. The results indicate high prevalence of non-adherence, with potentially negative impacts for individuals and society.
authors.forename: Felipe Assan
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Remondi
authors.forename: Marcos Aparecido Sarria
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Cabrera
authors.forename: Regina Kazue Tanno de
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Souza
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016903:Drug Monitoring