The Impact Of Psychosocial Factors On Medication Adherence Among Ulcerative Colitis Patients In Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective. To examine the factors that influence medication adherence among ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, living in Lahore, Pakistan.

Method. Using correlational research design, 160 UC patients, visiting outpatient department of a public hospital, suffering from UC for at least six months to more than five years were selected through purposive sampling strategy. Patients, belonged to the age group 25-50 years, either married or unmarried, and suffering from mild to severe form of UC, were selected. We excluded those who were having colorectal cancer, or with different co-morbidities like diabetes, arthritis, kidney or renal malfunctioning. A self-developed structured questionnaire to ask about demographics and reasons for non-adherences was used. Also, Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire and Ways of Coping Questionnaire was filled out. After data collection, results analyzed via SPSS V 26.0.

Results. ANOVA showed that participants with low socio-economic status, younger, unmarried, less educated, ignorant about illness, and with severe medication side effects, were having poor medication adherence. Interestingly, disease intensity, like bowel surgery, moderate or severe UC, even along with longer span of diagnosis, and medication in take thrice and fourfold a day, was associated with good medication adherence. Multiple regression revealed poor medication adherence among patients using emotion focused coping than adopting active coping strategies.

Conclusion. UC patients are reluctant to take medicines unless disease appear in worst form, or underwent for surgery. To reduce symptom recurrence, practitioners should focus on individual patient factors and educate them about the chronic and sensitive nature of disease for proper drug management.