Medication Non-Adherence among Patients with Chronic Diseases in Makkah Region

The Makkah region is the most populated region in Saudi Arabia. Studying medication adherence levels may help to improve general health outcomes and decrease overall health care expenditures.

We used the ARMS scale to assess medication adherence. Bivariable analysis of medication non-adherence was performed. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were built to identify factors associated with medication non-adherence.

Participants from the Makkah region were more than two times more likely to be non-adherent to their medications compared to other regions (adjusted OR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.49-4.46). Patients who dispensed their prescriptions at their own expense were two times more likely to be non-adherents (adjusted OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.11-4.98). Patients who had a monthly income ≤6000 SR were almost two times more likely to be non-adherents (unadjusted OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.05-2.84).

Medication adherence is one of the most important factors to help managing the disease. We found that Makkah chronic patients are more likely to be non-adherent with their medications compared to other regions' patients. Moreover, we found that lower monthly incomes and paying for medications out-of-pocket were significant predictors of medication non-adherence.