Adherence to hormone therapy in women with breast cancer: a quantitative study

The majority of patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer are treated with oral endocrine therapies, which are administered in periods ranging from 5 to 10 years. Adherence, ie the degree a subject's behavior corresponds to the agreed recommendations, then becomes a significant problem, which can also affect distress levels. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of adherence to endocrine therapy and distress in a sample of Italian women.

The study is a descriptive cross sectional survey. Adherence was measured with the Morisky Medication Adherence 8-item Scale and distress was measured by the Distress Thermometer. Socio-demographic and clinical data were also collected and then processed.

Adherence measured with MMAS-8 items scored 6.18 corresponding to an average level of adherence in the 151 patients examined. The only factors affecting adherence signi- ficantly were: level of education, marital status and, among the side effects of therapy, poor concentration and memory. The data analysis obtained from the Distress Thermometer showed a degree of discomfort equal to 4.71,For example, in younger patients' levels of distress are greater in relationships, whereas in married/defacto women and workers distress levels are greater in practical areas.

Results from this study can be useful to identify patients at risk for non-adhe- rence and distress, and consequently to help, the oncology team. Despite this, the study of adherence and related-factors needs further investigation.