Education is critical for medication adherence in patients with coronary heart disease

Although non-adherence to medications is associated with increased cardiovascular risks, very little information is focused on the relationship between knowledge and medication adherence among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

The purposes were to assess the relationship between medication adherence and medication- or disease-related knowledge in patients with CHD, and to investigate whether educating patients would alter their medication adherence behaviour.

This study was carried out at the outpatient clinic of a public university teaching hospital in China.The primary outcome was the ability of patients to follow medication instructions, which was assessed by the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMSA-8). The Medication- or Disease-Related Knowledge Test (MDRKT) was used to assess patients'medication-related knowledge. We also explored patients'preferences for receiving education about medications and whether it is necessary for pharmacists to provide education.

Among the 159 patients who completed the survey, approximately 38.4% were considered non-adherent (MMAS-8 score <6). Medication- or disease-related knowledge and concerns about adverse drug events were significantly associated with non-adherence. The MDRKT revealed that most participants had very little knowledge about their drug treatment. Specifically, 22 participants said that pharmacists were their primary source of information. Subsequently, 95.0% of participants expressed an interest in activities related to medication education.

Knowledgeable patients with CHD are more likely to adhere to medication instructions. Many patients have difficulty acquiring medication information; thus, patients need increased access to education about their medication. Pharmacist services may be required to provide such information.