Adherence to Treatment in Stroke Patients

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Medication compliance among stroke patients is frequently suboptimal.
• Long-term adherence is crucial for managing post-stroke recovery and preventing recurrence.
• Identifying influencing factors is key to improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess medication compliance levels in long-term stroke survivors.
• To identify socio-demographic, clinical, and subjective factors associated with treatment adherence.
• To inform interventions aimed at enhancing medication compliance in this population.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 140 ischemic stroke patients (at least six months post-stroke).
• Utilized validated scales for medication adherence, quality of life, beliefs about medicines, illness perception, doctor-patient relationship, and family support.
• Employed univariate and multivariate analyses to determine significant predictors of compliance.

Main Results:

• Optimal compliance was observed in 68.6% of patients.
• High adherence correlated with positive mental state, perceived medication necessity, and effective doctor-patient communication.
• Lower compliance was associated with male gender, greater concerns about medication, and inverse relationship with work/productivity quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Perceived medication necessity and doctor-patient communication are modifiable factors influencing stroke patient compliance.
• Rehabilitation and return-to-work programs should integrate these factors to support stroke survivors.
• Targeted interventions addressing patient perceptions and communication can improve long-term medication adherence.