Teresa M Salgado1, Emily J Davis2, Karen B Farris3, Souhiela Fawaz4, Peter Batra5, N Lynn Henry6. 1. Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, 410 N. 10th Street, PO Box 980533, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA. tmsalgado@vcu.edu. 2. University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, 428 Church St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. 3. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, 428 Church St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. 4. Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, 9401 Jeronimo Rd., Irvine, CA, 92618, USA. 5. Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA. 6. Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Cir of Hope Dr., Salt Lake City, UT, 84103, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Non-adherence/persistence to adjuvant endocrine therapy can negatively impact survival. Beliefs about medicines are known to affect adherence. This study aims to identify socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with medication beliefs among women taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs). METHODS: Women completed an online survey on beliefs about AI therapy [Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ)], beliefs about breast cancer [Assessment of Survivor Concerns scale (ASC)], and depression [Personal Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-8)]. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Bivariate analyses and linear regression models were performed to investigate relationships between variables. RESULTS: A total of 224 women reported currently taking AI therapy and were included in the analysis. Significantly higher concern beliefs were found among women who had at least mild depression, experienced side effects from AIs, and previously stopped therapy with another AI. Significant correlations were found between concern and necessity beliefs and cancer and health worry. Women age 70 and older displayed less fear of cancer recurrence and health worry, and a trend towards lower necessity and concern beliefs. No differences were found for other variables. In the regression model, greater necessity beliefs were found with increases in the number of current prescription medications (B = 1.06, 95% CI 0.31-1.81, p = 0.006) and shorter duration of current AI therapy (B = -0.65, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.07, p = 0.029), whereas greater concern beliefs were associated with higher depression scores (B = 1.19, 95% CI 0.35-2.03, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Medication necessity and concern beliefs were associated with a definable subset of patients who may be at higher risk for non-persistence.
PURPOSE: Non-adherence/persistence to adjuvant endocrine therapy can negatively impact survival. Beliefs about medicines are known to affect adherence. This study aims to identify socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with medication beliefs among women taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs). METHODS:Women completed an online survey on beliefs about AI therapy [Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ)], beliefs about breast cancer [Assessment of Survivor Concerns scale (ASC)], and depression [Personal Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-8)]. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Bivariate analyses and linear regression models were performed to investigate relationships between variables. RESULTS: A total of 224 women reported currently taking AI therapy and were included in the analysis. Significantly higher concern beliefs were found among women who had at least mild depression, experienced side effects from AIs, and previously stopped therapy with another AI. Significant correlations were found between concern and necessity beliefs and cancer and health worry. Women age 70 and older displayed less fear of cancer recurrence and health worry, and a trend towards lower necessity and concern beliefs. No differences were found for other variables. In the regression model, greater necessity beliefs were found with increases in the number of current prescription medications (B = 1.06, 95% CI 0.31-1.81, p = 0.006) and shorter duration of current AI therapy (B = -0.65, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.07, p = 0.029), whereas greater concern beliefs were associated with higher depression scores (B = 1.19, 95% CI 0.35-2.03, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Medication necessity and concern beliefs were associated with a definable subset of patients who may be at higher risk for non-persistence.
Authors: Yunxin He; Eng Hooi Tan; Andrea Li Ann Wong; Chuan Chien Tan; Patrick Wong; Soo Chin Lee; Bee Choo Tai Journal: BMC Cancer Date: 2018-07-09 Impact factor: 4.430
Authors: Eng Hooi Tan; Andrea Li Ann Wong; Chuan Chien Tan; Patrick Wong; Sing Huang Tan; Li En Yvonne Ang; Siew Eng Lim; Wan Qin Chong; Jingshan Ho; Soo Chin Lee; Bee Choo Tai Journal: J Health Psychol Date: 2021-02-07