title: Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of patients and carers regarding medication adherence: a review of qualitative literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this review is to cohere evidence on the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of patients and carers regarding medication adherence. Medication adherence refers to "the extent to which the patient's action matches the agreed recommendations". Medication adherence is vital in preventing, managing and curing illnesses and, hence, is linked with positive health outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A search was conducted using the following databases: CINAHL, Embase, PubMed and Web of Knowledge from inception to November 2013. Titles and abstracts were screened for inclusion in the review according to pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were assessed for quality, and data were extracted into a data extraction form. Results were analysed thematically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The final results included 34 articles. Eight analytical themes were identified: (i) beliefs and experiences of medicines, (ii) family support and culture, (iii) role of and relationship with health-care practitioners, (iv) factors related to the disease, (v) self-regulation, (vi) communication, (vii) cost and (viii) access. The theme, "beliefs and experiences of medicines", was present in 33 studies, with many discussing the influence that side effects have on medication adherence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are a number of variables that impact upon the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of patients and carers regarding medication adherence. This review presents an overview of the analytical themes which offers the opportunity to examine interventions and their relative efficacies to increase medication adherence.
authors.affiliation: University College Cork, Cork, Munster, Ireland, 113223823@umail.ucc.ie.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McCarthy
authors.forename: Laura Jane
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Sahm
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003469:Culture; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011306:Prescription Fees; D012651:Self Medication