Experiences of medication burden among patients with multimorbidity in rural China: a qualitative study

Medication burden represents the effort and stress associated with managing medications, encompassing the physical and psychological impact that patients bear during disease treatment, yet little research has focused on medication burden among patients with multimorbidity in rural areas. This study aims to explore patient experiences of medication burden among those patients with multimorbidity in rural China, and examine how physicians' behaviors affect this burden.

This qualitative descriptive study employed in-depth, face-to-face interviews to explore patients' experiences. Participants were adults with multimorbidity who regularly sought medication-related care at four township health centers in rural China. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method to identify recurring patterns and generate thematic insights.

Of the 20 participants, 11 (55%) were women, and the mean age was 65.5 years (range: 31-85 years). Participants described various forms of medication burden, including difficulties with daily medication routines, complex regimens, adverse drug reactions, and limited access to medications in primary care settings. Social burdens, such as stigma and restrictions on social activities, were also identified. Participants reported that physicians' behaviors-both negative (e.g., poor communication, lack of medication review) and positive (e.g., clear medication guidance, follow-up care)-significantly influenced their medication burden.

Patients with multimorbidity in rural China face substantial medication burden, which can be influenced by physicians' behaviors. Efforts to enhance physicians' prescribing competencies, improve multimorbidity management, shared decision-making, and follow-up care are essential to alleviate this burden.