Factors Affecting Medication Adherence in Patients using oral Chemotherapy: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Introduction: The utilization of oral chemotherapy agents for cancer treatment has witnessed a steady rise in recent years. The pivotal determinant for the success of oral chemotherapy lies in the adherence of cancer patients to the prescribed treatment. This study aims to explore oral chemotherapy adherence and identify factors influencing medication adherence among cancer patients. Methods: A total of 103 cancer patients participated in this descriptive study. Data were collected using the Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Scale, the Turkish Translation of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ-T) and The Functional Living Index-Cancer. Results: Of the participants, 66% reported good adherence to oral chemotherapy. Key findings indicate that access to health services (β = −1.473, p = 0.009), cancer stage (β = −1.570, p = 0.015) and the BMQ-T subscale of General Overuse (β =.696, p = 0.041) were independent predictors of medication adherence. Conclusion: The study observed medication non-adherence in one-third of patients undergoing oral chemotherapy. Primary contributors to non-adherence included difficulties in accessing health services, advanced cancer stage and the belief that drugs are over-recommended by doctors. These results underscore the need for a heightened focus on preventable factors, such as improving access to health services and addressing beliefs about drug overuse, to enhance medication adherence in patients receiving oral chemotherapy. © The Author(s) 2024.