Adherence to hormone therapy in women with breast cancer: a quantitative study.
BACKGROUND
The majority of patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer are treated with oral endocrine therapies, which are administered in periods ranging from 5 to 10 years. Adherence, ie the degree a subject's behavior corresponds to the agreed recommendations, then becomes a significant problem, which can also affect distress levels. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of adherence to endocrine therapy and distress in a sample of Italian women.


METHODS
The study is a descriptive cross sectional survey. Adherence was measured with the Morisky Medication Adherence 8-item Scale and distress was measured by the Distress Thermometer. Socio-demographic and clinical data were also collected and then processed.


RESULTS
Adherence measured with MMAS-8 items scored 6.18 corresponding to an average level of adherence in the 151 patients examined. The only factors affecting adherence signi- ficantly were: level of education, marital status and, among the side effects of therapy, poor concentration and memory. The data analysis obtained from the Distress Thermometer showed a degree of discomfort equal to 4.71,For example, in younger patients' levels of distress are greater in relationships, whereas in married/defacto women and workers distress levels are greater in practical areas.


CONCLUSIONS
Results from this study can be useful to identify patients at risk for non-adhe- rence and distress, and consequently to help, the oncology team. Despite this, the study of adherence and related-factors needs further investigation.
Science, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Director of Nursing Course "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute - Rome - Italy Correspondence: E-Mail: iacorossi@ifo.it.
Laura
L
Iacorossi
RN, Research Assistant - Nursing Course "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute - Rome - Italy.
Francesca
F
Gambalunga
Division of Medical Oncology A, "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy.
Alessandra
A
Fabi
Biostatistic Unit, "Regina Elena" National CancerInstitute, Rome, 00144, Italy.
Diana
D
Giannarelli
MSC, Research Unit Nursing Science, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University, 00128, Rome, Italy.
Gabriella
G
Facchinetti
PhD, MSC, RN Research Unit Nursing Science, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University, Rome, Italy.
Michela
M
Piredda
Professor, Research Unit Nursing Science, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University, Rome, Italy.
Maria Grazia
MG
De Marinis
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence; D015399:Nursing Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal