Gender differences in cost-related medication non-adherence among cancer survivors.
OBJECTIVE
It has been reported that cancer survivors are delaying or avoiding necessary care due to costs. Medication non-adherence is one of the important aspects of deferred treatment. This study estimates the prevalence of cost-related medication non-adherence (CRN) by gender and factors associated with CRN among cancer survivors.


METHODS
Using 2006-2013 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), we examined self-reported CRN among cancer survivors by gender. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression models were used to examine gender differences in CRN.


RESULTS
In a nationally representative sample of 15,159 cancer survivors, 7.4% of male and 12.5% of female reported CRN. Overall, the prevalence of CRN was found to be the highest for uninsured group and the lowest for Medicare, but gender differences persist for all insurance types, including Medicare. After controlling for relevant covariates, female cancer survivors were 27% more likely (odds ratio (OR) = 1.27, confidence intervals (CI), 1.06-1.53) than male to report CRN. With higher number of comorbidities and activity limitations, CRN rates tend to increase for both male and female cancer survivors.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant gender differences in CRN were found among cancer survivors after controlling for differences in sociodemographic, health status, and insurance coverage.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the rapid increase in prescription drug costs, it is important to monitor closely the CRN in high-risk subgroups.
Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene St, Suite 357, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
Minjee
M
Lee
Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene St, Suite 357, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA. mkhan@mailbox.sc.edu.
M Mahmud
MM
Khan
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States
Cancer survivorship; Cost; Gender disparity; Medication adherence