Medications Adherence and Associated Factors Among Patients with Stroke in Iraq

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, posing significant challenges to patients, families, and healthcare systems.
• Medication adherence is a critical factor influencing post-stroke recovery and preventing secondary events.
• Understanding adherence patterns in specific populations, such as those in Iraq, is essential for developing effective management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate medication adherence among stroke patients in Iraq.
• To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with medication adherence in this population.
• To assess self-care practices and their adherence among stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 200 stroke patients from seven hospitals in Iraq between November 2022 and April 2023.
• Data on medication adherence, demographic characteristics, clinical details, and self-care activities were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses.
• Stroke diagnoses were confirmed using MRI and/or CT scans.

Main Results:

• The mean medication adherence score was 13.36 out of 28, indicating suboptimal adherence.
• Significant factors associated with higher medication adherence included older age, higher monthly income, longer time since stroke, and higher education level.
• Comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure were also significantly linked to medication adherence. Gender, marital status, living place, and smoking status showed no significant association.

Conclusions:

• Medication adherence among stroke patients in Iraq is suboptimal.
• Demographic and clinical factors significantly influence medication adherence in this population.
• Improving medication adherence is crucial for better health outcomes in Iraqi stroke survivors.