The association between multimorbidity and poor adherence with cardiovascular medications

Wong, M. C.S., Liu, J., Zhou, S., Li, S., Su, X., Wang, H. H.X. , Chung, R. Y.N., Yip, B. H.K., Wong, S. Y.S. and Lau, J. T.F. (2014) The association between multimorbidity and poor adherence with cardiovascular medications. International Journal of Cardiology, 177(2), pp. 477-482. (doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.09.103) (PMID:25443249)

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Abstract

Multimorbidity, defined as the presence of two or more chronic conditions, leads to a substantial public health burden. This study evaluated its association with adherence with cardiovascular medications in a Chinese population. A proportional stratified sampling was adopted to draw a representative sample of residents living in Henan Province, China. Interviewer-administered surveys were conducted by trained researchers. The outcomes included the number of chronic medical conditions, adherence with long-term medications (MMAS-8), and depressive symptoms (CESD-20). Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate if medication adherence was associated with the presence of multimorbidity. From a total of 3866 completed surveys, the proportion of subjects having 0, 1 and ≥ 2 chronic conditions was 62.6%, 23.8% and 13.5%, respectively. Among 27.6% who were taking chronic medications, 66.6% had poor medication adherence (MMAS-8 score ≤ 6). From binary logistic regression analysis, subjects with poor medication adherence were significantly associated with multimorbidity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.35, 95% C.I. 1.02–1.78, p = 0.037). Other associated factors included older age (AOR = 1.04, 95% C.I. 1.03–1.05, p < 0.001), smoking (AOR = 1.63, 95% C.I. 1.16–2.30, p = 0.005), family history of hypertension (AOR = 1.51, 95% C.I. 1.19–1.93, p = 0.001), and fair to poor self-perceived health status (AOR = 2.15, 95% C.I. 1.69–2.74, p < 0.001). Using medication adherence as the outcome variable, multimorbidity was significantly associated with poor drug adherence (AOR = 1.34, 95% C.I. 1.02–1.77, p = 0.037). Multimorbidity was associated with poorer medication adherence. This implies the need for closer monitoring of the medication taking behavior among those with multiple chronic conditions.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Wang, Professor Haoxiang
Authors: Wong, M. C.S., Liu, J., Zhou, S., Li, S., Su, X., Wang, H. H.X., Chung, R. Y.N., Yip, B. H.K., Wong, S. Y.S., and Lau, J. T.F.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
Journal Name:International Journal of Cardiology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0167-5273
ISSN (Online):1874-1754
Published Online:28 September 2014

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