Medical therapy adherence and compliance in patients with Parkinson disease: a cross sectional study

Background and Aim : Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of chronic progressive neurodegenerative diseases, also known as the only neurodegenerative disease with effective treatment. Effective control of disease progression through appropriate adherence to treatment has been significantly effective in reducing costs and increasing satisfaction of patients. Low compliance increases the risk of chronic diseases, the need for hospitalization and other health care or services, and imposes costs on individuals and the health system. The 8 item Morisky questionnaire has been translated into Persian and has been used to assess compliance of patients to drug therapy in previous studies. The aim of the study was assessing compliance in PD patients using Morisky scale.Methods : Study cases were chosen among patients referring to neurology clinic of a tertiary medical center using convenient sampling method. The interview was performed after informed consent was obtained verbally from the patients. Data including demographic characteristics, duration of disease and prescribed medication was obtained using 8item Morisky questionnaire. We used SPSS version 23 for data analysis and determining variables affecting compliance.Results : Data of 31 patients was analyzed. 58.1 % of them were men. 51 % were 56-75 years old. 61.3 % of participants had low educational level. 61.3 % have suffering Parkinson’s disease for 1-6 years. Less than30 % of participants mentioned they miss taking the medication for various reason, feel bad about taking pills every day and giving up the prescribed drugs when they feel better. 89.7 % of them never or rarely forget taking all their pills. More than 80 percent of participants had proper compliance. More women mentioned desirable attitude toward medication adherence. Lower education did not negatively affect compliance. Prolonged disease and old age was related to less enthusiasm over recommended treatment.Conclusion : Patient compliance and adherence to treatment affect disease control and long term complications. Being aware of this association and ensuring proper compliance of patients can lead physicians to a practice of better quality. Interventions for increasing treatment adherence and compliance mostly might be beneficial for elderly and low educated patients with PD.

Keywords:

Parkinson disease , Adherence , Compliance , Morisky questionnaire