Family practice patients' adherence to statin medications

To measure family practice patients' adherence to statin medications and to identify factors associated with adherence to these medications.

Cross-sectional study using a mailed self-report survey sent to 400 patients.

Two academic family practice clinics in Halifax, NS.

A total of 284 patients aged 40 or older who were prescribed statin medications by their family physicians, either for the first time or as a renewal during a 20-month period.

Level of adherence to statin medications as measured by patients' self-report on the Morisky scale; association between high adherence on the Morisky scale and 38 patient-reported factors.

Response rate was 82.5%. Average age of patients was 65 years, 57% were men, 62% had been on statin medications for more than 2 years, and 97% reported that their family physicians managed their cholesterol levels. More than 63% of patients reported high adherence as measured by the Morisky scale. On multiple logistic regression, being older than 65, taking 4 to 6 other prescribed medications, and having a lifestyle that included regular exercise or a healthy diet were significant independent predictors of high adherence scores on the Morisky scale.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of patients who were prescribed statins by their family physicians reported high adherence to the medications. Strategies to improve adherence would best be directed at patients who are younger or taking fewer than 4 or more than 6 other prescribed medications. Patients should be encouraged to maintain a lifestyle of regular exercise and a healthy diet, as this was associated with better adherence to statin medications.