Laura Iacorossi1, Francesca Gambalunga2, Alessandra Fabi3, Diana Giannarelli4, Gabriella Facchinetti5, Michela Piredda6, Maria Grazia De Marinis7. 1. Science, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Director of Nursing Course "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute - Rome - Italy Correspondence: E-Mail: iacorossi@ifo.it. 2. RN, Research Assistant - Nursing Course "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute - Rome - Italy. 3. Division of Medical Oncology A, "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy. 4. Biostatistic Unit, "Regina Elena" National CancerInstitute, Rome, 00144, Italy. 5. MSC, Research Unit Nursing Science, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University, 00128, Rome, Italy. 6. PhD, MSC, RN Research Unit Nursing Science, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University, Rome, Italy. 7. Professor, Research Unit Nursing Science, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University, Rome, Italy.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: 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. METHOD: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.
INTRODUCTION: 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. METHOD: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.
Authors: Claudia Cormio; Francesca Caporale; Roberta Spatuzzi; Fulvia Lagattolla; Andrea Lisi; Giusi Graziano Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2019-02-20 Impact factor: 3.603
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