Beliefs about medications: measurement and relationship to adherence in patients with severe mental disorders

Structural Equation Modelling to Identify Psychometric Determinants of Medication Adherence in a Survey of Kidney Dialysis Patients

Purpose

Medication non-adherence in dialysis patients is associated with increased mortality and higher healthcare costs. We assessed whether medication adherence is influenced by specific psychometric constructs measuring beliefs about the necessity for medication and concerns about them. We also tested whether medication knowledge, health literacy, and illness perceptions influenced this relationship.

Patients and Methods

This study is based on data from a cross-sectional in-person questionnaire, administered to a random sample of all adult dialysis patients at a teaching hospital. The main outcome was self-assessed medication adherence (8-Item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale). The predictors were: concerns about medications and necessity for medication (Beliefs About Medication Questionnaire); health literacy; medication knowledge (Medication Knowledge Evaluation Tool); cognitive, emotional, and comprehensibility Illness perceptions (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire). Path analysis was performed using structural equations in both covariance and variance-based models.

Results

Necessity for medication increased (standardized path coefficient [β] 0.30 [95% CI 0.05, 0.54]) and concerns about medication decreased (standardized β -0.33 [-0.57, -0.09]) medication adherence, explaining most of the variance in outcome (r2=0.95). Medication knowledge and cognitive illness perceptions had no effects on medication adherence, either directly or indirectly. Higher health literacy, greater illness comprehension, and a more positive emotional view of their illness had medium-to-large sized effects in increasing medication adherence. These were indirect rather and direct effects mediated by decreases in concerns about medications (standardized β respectively -0.40 [-0.63,-0.16], -0.60 [-0.85, -0.34], -0.33 [-0.52, -0.13]).

Conclusion

Interventions that reduce patients' concerns about their medications are likely to improve adherence, rather than interventions that increase patients' perceived necessity for medication. Improving patients' general health literacy and facilitating a better understanding and more positive perception of the illness can probably achieve this. Our study is potentially limited by a lack of generalizability outside of the population and setting in which it was conducted.

Discharge Information About Adverse Drug Reactions Indicates Lower Self-Reported Adverse Drug Reactions and Fewer Concerns in Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

AIM

There are discrepancies between the information patients desire about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and the information they receive from healthcare providers; this is an impediment to shared decision-making. This study aimed to establish whether patients received information about ADRs resulting from prescribed pharmacotherapy, before hospital discharge, after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and to determine whether receiving information about ADRs was associated with incidence of self-reported ADRs or concerns related to prescribed pharmacotherapy.

METHODS

CONCARDPCI, a prospective multicentre cohort study including 3,417 consecutive patients after PCI, was conducted at seven high-volume referral PCI centres in two Nordic countries. Clinical data were collected from patients' medical records and national quality registries. Patient-reported outcome measures were registered 2 months (T1), 6 months (T2), and 12 months (T3) after discharge. Covariate-adjusted logistic regression yielded adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

At discharge, 38% of participants had been informed about potential ADRs. For these patients, the incidence of self-reported ADRs was significantly lower at T1 (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.50-0.74; p<0.001), T2 (aOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.49-0.74; p<0.001), and T3 (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.46-0.71; p<0.001). Those who were not informed reported higher levels of concern about prescribed pharmacotherapy at all measuring points (p<0.001 for all comparisons). Those living alone (aOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57-0.92; p=0.008), who were female (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.44-0.72; p<0.001), and with three or more versus no comorbidities (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44-0.84; p=0.002) were less likely to receive information.

CONCLUSION

A substantial proportion of patients were not informed about potential ADRs from prescribed pharmacotherapy after PCI. Patients informed about ADRs had lower incidences of self-reported ADRs and fewer concerns about prescribed pharmacotherapy.

The impact of trust in healthcare and medication, and beliefs about medication on medication adherence in a Dutch medication-using population

INTRODUCTION

Trust in healthcare and medication, defined as feelings of reassurance and confidence in the healthcare system or medication, may be a key prerequisite before engaging in the use of medication. However, earlier studies have focussed on beliefs about medication rather than trust as predictors of medication adherence. This study therefore aims to simultaneously explore the relationship of trust in healthcare, medication and beliefs about medication, with medication adherence.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire was sent out to 1500 members of the Dutch Health Care Consumer Panel of Nivel in November 2018. Respondents were asked to grade their level of trust in healthcare and medication (scale 1-10). The Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) for general and specific medication beliefs was used to address beliefs, the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5) to measure medication adherence. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) with a backward stepwise approach. Out of 753 people that completed the questionnaire, 407 people used prescription medication and were included in the analyses.

RESULTS

A positive association between trust in medication and medication adherence was found (0.044, p < 0.05). BMQ subscales Overuse (-0.083, p < 0.05), Necessity (0.075, p < 0.05) and Concerns (-0.134, p < 0.01) related with medication adherence. BMQ subscale Harm did not relate to medication adherence.

CONCLUSION

Trust in medication and beliefs about medication were both individually associated with medication adherence. Healthcare providers should therefore not only focus on patients' medication beliefs, but also on strengthening patients' trust in medication to improve medication adherence.

The concept of treatment beliefs in children and adolescents with chronic health conditions: a scoping review

Children and adolescents with chronic health conditions are faced with ongoing challenges, making self-regulation crucial. As children grow up, they gradually develop differentiated beliefs about illness and treatment. While research indicates treatment beliefs as relevant factor on outcomes like adherence, the specific contents and dimensions of children's and adolescents' treatment beliefs remained unclear. This scoping review therefore aimed at the identification of treatment beliefs dimensions in children and adolescents with chronic health conditions, the underlying theoretical frameworks, and methodological operationalisation. Published literature was examined by applying systematic searches in electronic databases (Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL) and comprehensive selection criteria, resulting in 49 included studies. The predominant treatment beliefs dimensions were necessity, concerns, perceived benefits and costs/barriers, and expectations. The latter can be differentiated into outcome, social, process, and structural expectations, and expectations of one's own role in the treatment process. In addition, dimensions that cover emotions and reasons for treatment were identified. The results are related to the methods and theoretical models applied, which were often adapted from adult research. However, additional and possibly more child-specific dimensions such as social expectations and emotions were found. This scoping review indicates several research gaps and discusses practical implications.

Beliefs about prescription sleep medications and interest in reducing hypnotic use: an examination of middle-aged and older adults with insomnia disorder

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To examine beliefs about prescription sleep medications (hypnotics) among individuals with insomnia disorder seeking cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and predictors of wishing to reduce use.

METHODS

Baseline data was collected from 245 adults 50 years and older enrolled in the "RCT of the Effectiveness of Stepped-Care Sleep Therapy in General Practice" study. T-tests compared characteristics of prescription sleep medication users with those of nonusers. Linear regression assessed predictors of patients' beliefs about sleep medication necessity and hypnotic-related concerns. Among users, we examined predictors of wishing to reduce sleep medications, including perceived hypnotic dependence, beliefs about medications, and demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Users endorsed stronger beliefs about the necessity of sleep medications and less concern about potential harms than nonusers (P < .01). Stronger dysfunctional sleep-related cognitions predicted greater beliefs about necessity and concern about use (P < .01). Patients wishing to reduce sleep medications reported greater perceived hypnotic dependence than those disinterested in reduction (P < .001). Self-reported dependence severity was the strongest predictor of wishing to reduce use (P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite expressing strong beliefs about necessity, and comparatively less concern about taking sleep medications, three-quarters of users wished to reduce prescription hypnotics. Results may not generalize to individuals with insomnia not seeking nonpharmacological treatments. Upon completion, the "RCT of the Effectiveness of Stepped-Care Sleep Therapy in General Practice" study will provide information about the extent to which therapist-led and digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia contribute to prescription hypnotic reduction.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: The RESTING Insomnia Study: Randomized Controlled Study on Effectiveness of Stepped-Care Sleep Therapy (RESTING); URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03532282; Identifier: NCT03532282.

CITATION

Tully IA, Kim JP, Simpson N, et al. Beliefs about prescription sleep medications and interest in reducing hypnotic use: an examination of middle-aged and older adults with insomnia disorder. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(7):1247-1257.

The problems and information needs of patients with bipolar disorder during the treatment process: A qualitative study in Turkey

The objective of the present study was to determine the problems and information needs of patients with bipolar disorder during the treatment process. The present research is in the type of descriptive and qualitative study. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 11 volunteer patients with bipolar disorder. The data collected from the interviews were evaluated using the descriptive analysis method. In the study, four categories (disease onset/diagnosis stage, adherence to treatment, interpersonal relationships, information needs) and nine main themes (symptoms, family support, factors that positively affect treatment adherence, factors that negatively affect treatment adherence, positive effects of treatment, negative effects of treatment, stigmatization, treatment, disease) were determined. Patients with bipolar disorder can be helped to cope with the problems they experience by providing information about the disease, adherence to treatment, the treatment process, and the effects of drugs.

Nonadherence by Serum Drug Analyses in Resistant Hypertension: 7-Year Follow-Up of Patients Considered Adherent by Directly Observed Therapy

Background Measurement of serum concentrations of drugs is a novelty found useful in detecting poor drug adherence in patients taking ≥2 antihypertensive agents. Regarding patients with treatment-resistant hypertension, we previously based our assessment on directly observed therapy. The present study aimed to investigate whether serum drug measurements in patients with resistant hypertension offer additional information regarding drug adherence, beyond that of initial assessment with directly observed therapy. Methods and Results Nineteen patients assumed to have true treatment-resistant hypertension and adherence to antihypertensive drugs based on directly observed therapy were investigated repeatedly through 7 years. Serum concentrations of antihypertensive drugs were measured by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry from blood samples taken at baseline, 6-month, 3-year, and 7-year visits. Cytochrome P450 polymorphisms, self-reported adherence and beliefs about medicine were performed as supplement investigations. Seven patients (37%) were redefined as nonadherent based on their serum concentrations during follow-up. All patients reported high adherence to medications. Nonadherent patients expressed lower necessity and higher concerns regarding intake of antihypertensive medication (P=0.003). Cytochrome P450 polymorphisms affecting metabolism of antihypertensive drugs were found in 16 patients (84%), 21% were poor metabolizers, and none were ultra-rapid metabolizers. Six of 7 patients redefined as nonadherent had cytochrome P450 polymorphisms, however, not explaining the low serum drug concentrations measured in these patients. Conclusions Our data suggest that repeated measurements of serum concentrations of antihypertensive drugs revealed nonadherence in one-third of patients previously evaluated as adherent and treatment resistant by directly observed therapy, thereby improving the accuracy of adherence evaluation. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; unique identifier: NCT01673516.

An analysis of views about supported reduction or discontinuation of antipsychotic treatment among people with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotic medication can reduce psychotic symptoms and risk of relapse in people with schizophrenia and related disorders, but it is not always effective and adverse effects can be significant. We know little of patients' views about continuing or discontinuing antipsychotic treatment.

AIMS

To explore the views of people with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders about continuing their antipsychotic medication or attempting to reduce or discontinue this medication with clinical support.

METHODS

We collected quantitative and qualitative data by conducting semi-structured interviews in London, UK. Factors predicting a desire to discontinue medication were explored. Content analysis of qualitative data was undertaken.

RESULTS

We interviewed 269 participants. 33% (95% CI, 27 to 39%) were content with taking long-term antipsychotic medication. Others reported they took it reluctantly (19%), accepted it on a temporary basis (24%) or actively disliked it (18%). 31% (95% CI, 25 to 37%) said they would like to try to stop medication with professional support, and 45% (95% CI, 39 to 51%) wanted the opportunity to reduce medication. People who wanted to discontinue had more negative attitudes towards the medication but were otherwise similar to other participants. Wanting to stop or reduce medication was motivated mainly by adverse effects and health concerns. Professional support was identified as potentially helpful to achieve reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

This large study reveals that patients are commonly unhappy about the idea of taking antipsychotics on a continuing or life-long basis. Professional support for people who want to try to reduce or stop medication is valued.

Lifetime Cannabis Use Is Not Associated With Negative Beliefs About Medication in Patients With First Treatment Psychosis

OBJECTIVE

Cannabis use is common among patients with psychosis, and along with negative beliefs about medication, it has been found to predict poor adherence to antipsychotic drug treatment. Such lack of adherence to antipsychotic drug treatment increases the risk of poor clinical outcomes and relapse in patients with first treatment for psychosis (FTP). However, to date, it is unclear whether cannabis use may be related to negative perceptions about antipsychotic drug treatment.

METHODS

A cross-sectional sample of 265 FTP patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder underwent extensive clinical assessments. Three measures of cannabis use were obtained: lifetime, current and meeting diagnostic criteria for abuse or addiction. For the primary analyses we focused on lifetime cannabis use. The Beliefs about Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) was employed to assess the patients' specific concerns and perceptions of antipsychotic medications, as well as general beliefs about pharmacotherapy. The relationship between lifetime cannabis use and BMQ scores was investigated with general linear model (GLM) analyses, controlling for age and sex.

RESULTS

Patients with lifetime use of cannabis ≥10 times were more likely to be male, younger at the age of onset of psychosis and with higher levels of alcohol use and daily tobacco smoking, as compared to the non-users (p < 0.05). Neither lifetime use of cannabis, current use nor a cannabis abuse diagnosis was associated with negative beliefs about medicines as measured by the BMQ questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

Use of cannabis is not linked to negative perceptions about antipsychotic medicines in patients with FTP. Other reasons for poor compliance to antipsychotic drug treatment in cannabis users need to be further investigated.

Validez y confiabilidad del Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire en pacientes hipertensos colombianos

Introducción. El Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) permite valorar las representaciones cognitivas que engloban las creencias sobre la medicación de los pacientes, sobre tomar medicamentos para su enfermedad en diferentes culturas. Objetivo. Determinar la validez de constructo y confiabilidad del cuestionario BMQ adaptado a pacientes hipertensos colombianos. Materiales y métodos. Estudio psicométrico de tipo instrumental, realizado en una muestra de 238 pacientes hipertensos en edad promedio de 65 años (DE= 11,4) con predominio del sexo femenino (70%). La validez de constructo se evaluó mediante Análisis Factorial Exploratorio y Confirmatorio. Se calculó la confiabilidad utilizando el método coeficiente de alfa de Cronbach. Resultados. Se obtuvo una versión reducida de 16 ítems; en la sección BMQ-General los 7 ítems se agruparon en dos factores que explicó el 64% de la varianza común y buen ajuste ( = 61.46; gl = 13; p = 0.000; CFI = 0.917; NNFI = 0.89; CFI=0.917; SRMR=0.054; RMSEA = 0.125; IC 90% [0,10, 0,16]). En el BMQ-Específico los 9 ítems agrupados en dos factores que explicaron el 63,17% de la varianza común con un ajuste aceptable ( = 122.4; gl = 26; p = 0.000; CFI = 0.88; NNFI = 0.84; CFI=0.88; SRMR=0.106; RMSEA = 0.125; IC 90% [0.10, 0.15]). La confiabilidad por alfa de Cronbach para el BMQ-General y Específico fue de 0.82 y 0.78 respectivamente. Discusión y conclusiones. La versión del BMQ adaptada a pacientes hipertensos colombianos, poseen características psicométricas adecuadas, su uso es recomendado en la investigación.

Effects of a peer co-facilitated educational programme for parents of children with ADHD: a feasibility randomised controlled trial protocol

INTRODUCTION

Significant numbers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) display problems that cause multiple disabilities, deficits and handicaps that interfere with social relationships, development and school achievement. They may have multiple problems, which strain family dynamics and influence the child's treatment. Parent activation, described as parents' knowledge, skills and confidence in dealing with their child's health and healthcare, has been shown to be an important factor in improving health outcomes. Research suggests that parents need edification to learn skills crucial to the treatment and management of their children's healthcare. Promoting positive parenting techniques may reduce negative parenting factors in families. This study aims to assess the acceptability, feasibility and estimated sample size of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing an ADHD peer co-led educational programme added to treatment as usual (TAU).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Using a randomised waitlist controlled trial, parents of children aged 6-12 years newly diagnosed with ADHD, and referred to a child mental health outpatient clinic in Mid-Norway, will receive TAU concomitant with a peer co-facilitated parental engagement educational programme (n=25). Parents in the control group will receive TAU, and the educational programme treatment within a waitlist period of 3-6 months (n=25). Parent activation, satisfaction, well-being, quality of life and treatment adherence, will be assessed at baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1) pre-post intervention (T2, T3) and at 3 months follow-up (T4). Shared decision making, parents preferred role in health-related decisions and involvement, parent-reported symptoms of ADHD and child's overall level of functioning will be assessed at T0 and T4. Such data will be used to calculate the required sample size for a full-scale RCT.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Approval was obtained from the Regional Committee for Medicine and Health Research Ethics in Mid-Norway (ref: 2018/1196). The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable knowledge about how to optimise family education and management of ADHD and will be disseminated through presentations at conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04010851.

The 'Necessity-Concerns Framework' as a means of understanding non-adherence by applying polynomial regression in three chronic conditions

OBJECTIVE

The 'Necessity-Concerns Framework' is an important framework which can support healthcare professionals in targeting patients' medication beliefs and decisions on adherence. Our aim was to determine how the interdependence of 'necessity' and 'concerns' beliefs for medication adherence compares across three chronic conditions.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with asthma, cardiovascular conditions or diabetes attending out-patient clinics completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered information regarding demographics, medication adherence using the 'Tool for Adherence Behaviour Screening', presence of unused medication in households and medication beliefs using the 'Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire-Specific'. Polynomial regression was applied to determine the multidimensional interdependence of 'necessity' and 'concerns' beliefs for adherence. P-values ≤ 0.05 were taken to be significant.

RESULTS

Confirmatory polynomial regression rejected the differential score model in all three groups. For each condition, exploratory polynomial regression found that linear terms indicated the best fitting model for predicting adherence. In all groups, adherence increased as necessity beliefs increased and concerns decreased. Patients suffering from cardiovascular conditions and diabetes with low necessity and low concerns beliefs reported higher medication adherence compared to those with high necessity and high concerns beliefs.

DISCUSSION

Alleviating patients' concerns can enhance medication adherence and potentially curb the issue of medication wastage.

The impact of psychological aspects, age, and BMI on eating disorder psychopathology among adult males and females with type 1 diabetes

This study investigated correlates of eating disorder (ED) psychopathology among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). A total of 282 males (n = 112) and females (n = 170) with T1D (18–79 years) participated. Overall, psychological aspects (i.e. illness perceptions, coping strategies, insulin beliefs, anxiety, and depression) were associated with ED psychopathology. Associations were generally stronger among females than males. In a regression model, age, BMI, personal control, and anxiety explained 51% of the variance in ED psychopathology among females, whereas BMI, personal control, and anxiety explained 47% of the variance among males. Greater clinical awareness of health psychological aspects may contribute to reduce the risk of developing ED.

Psychological factors involved in psychopharmacological medication adherence in mental health patients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Psychopharmacological medication adherence is essential for psychiatric patients' treatment and well-being.

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to identify psychological factors related to health control that have been linked to psychopharmacological medication adherence in psychiatric patients.

METHODS

A literature search was performed through the databases Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published before October 15th, 2019. Articles published in peer-reviewed journals that analyzed the psychological factors of health belief and health control involved in psychopharmacological medication adherence in a psychiatric population were included.

RESULTS

The search identified 124 potentially relevant papers, 29 of which met the eligibility criteria. The final sample was 222 adolescents, most with a diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 6139 adults diagnosed especially with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or depressive disorder. Results suggested that medication adherence is associated with health beliefs and psychological variables, such as self-efficacy and locus of control. Family support was also positively related to medication adherence.

CONCLUSION

Psychopharmacological medication adherence requires a consideration of multicausality, which depends on sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

These findings should be considered in the development and implementation of psychological interventions focused on self-control and family support.

Treatment Attitudes and Adherence Among Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Studies

BACKGROUND

Systematic reviews about treatment attitudes of patients influencing adherence in bipolar disorder (BD) are rare.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and principles of thematic synthesis. Selectively identified quantitative and qualitative studies were used to examine the attitude-adherence relationship in BD, the types and correlates of treatment attitudes, and the impact of psychosocial interventions on attitudes.

RESULTS

The final list of 163 articles included 114 observational reports (incorporating 21 psychosocial intervention trials), 45 qualitative/descriptive studies, and 4 patient surveys. A positive association between treatment attitudes and adherence was found in most quantitative and qualitative studies, though the strength of the relationship was unclear. Thematic analysis of qualitative studies suggested that patient attitudes influencing adherence were based on perceived advantages and disadvantages of treatment. The principal correlates of patients' attitudes were family attitudes, the clinician-patient alliance, social support, and patients' knowledge of BD. Though negative attitudes such as denial, concerns about adverse treatment consequences, and stigmatizing effects of treatment were common, many patients believed treatment to be beneficial and necessary. The limited data on the effect of psychosocial interventions indicated that treatments selectively targeting attitudes enhanced adherence.

LIMITATIONS

The studies were heterogeneous in design; the quality was uneven (fair to poor); and the risk of bias moderate to high.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite these flaws, awareness of the existing evidence on the attitude-adherence association and other aspects of treatment attitudes in BD can help in efforts to address nonadherence in BD.

Differences in medication beliefs between pregnant women using medication, or not, for chronic diseases: a cross-sectional, multinational, web-based study

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether medication beliefs differ between women who use or not use medication for their somatic chronic diseases during pregnancy and whether this association varies across diseases.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional web-based survey.

SETTING

Multinational study in Europe.

PARTICIPANTS

Pregnant women or women with children less than 1 year old from European countries and with asthma, allergy, cardiovascular, rheumatic diseases, diabetes, epilepsy and/or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Differences in scores of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ).

RESULTS

In total, 1219 women were included (ranging from 736 for allergy to 49 for IBD). Women using medication for their chronic disease (n=770; 63%) had higher scores on the BMQ subscales necessity (16.6 vs 12.1, p<0.001) and benefits (16.2 vs 15.4, p<0.001), and lower values on the subscales overuse (12.5 vs 13.1; p=0.005) and harm (9.8 vs 10.7, p<0.001) than women not using medication. No significant differences were shown for the concerns subscale (12.5 vs 12.3, p=0.484). Beliefs varied somewhat across diseases but in general more positive beliefs among women using medication were shown. Epilepsy was the disease where less differences were observed between women using and not using medication.

CONCLUSION

Women's beliefs were associated with medication use during pregnancy with only small differences across the diseases. Knowing pregnant women's beliefs could help identify women who are reluctant to use medication and could guide counselling to support making well-informed treatment decisions.

Enabling patients to cope with psychotropic medication in mental health care: Evaluation and reports of the new inventory MedSupport

This cross sectional study examined patients' perceptions of professional support regarding use of psychotropic medication in a specialist mental health care setting. The aims were to evaluate reliability and validity of the MedSupport inventory, and investigate possible associations between MedSupport scores and patient characteristics.A cross-sectional study was performed. The patients completed the MedSupport, a newly developed self-reported 6 item questionnaire on a Likert scale ranged 1 to 5 (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), and the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire. Diagnosis and treatment information were obtained at the clinical visits and from patient records.Among the 992 patients recruited, 567 patients (57%) used psychotropic medications, and 514 (91%) of these completed the MedSupport and were included in the study. The MedSupport showed an adequate internal consistency (Cronbach alpha.87; 95% CI.86-89) and a convergent validity toward the available variables. The MedSupport mean score was 3.8 (standard deviation.9, median 3.8). Increasing age and the experience of stronger needs for psychotropic medication were associated with perception of more support to cope with medication, whereas higher concern toward use of psychotropic medication was associated with perception of less support. Patients diagnosed with behavioral and emotional disorders, onset in childhood and adolescence perceived more support than patients with Mood disorders.The MedSupport inventory was suitable for assessing the patients' perceived support from health care service regarding their medication. Awareness of differences in patients' perceptions might enable the service to provide special measures for patients who perceive insufficient medication support.

Effect of a pharmacist-led intervention on adherence among patients with a first-time prescription for a cardiovascular medicine: a randomized controlled trial in Norwegian pharmacies

Objective

To examine whether a pharmacist‐led intervention improves medication adherence among patients who have filled a first‐time prescription for a cardiovascular medicine.

Methods

Design: Unblinded randomized controlled trial. Setting: 67 Norwegian pharmacies, October 2014–June 2015. Participants: 1480 adults with a first‐time prescription for a cardiovascular medicine. Intervention: Participants in the intervention group received two consultations with a pharmacist 1–2 and 3–5 weeks after filling the prescription. Participants in the control group received care according to usual practice. Main outcome measure: The primary outcome was self‐reported adherence as measured by the 8‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS‐8), at 7 and 18 weeks after filling the prescription. Adherence from baseline to week 52 was estimated using data from the Norwegian Prescription Database (NPD).

Key Findings

Data from MMAS‐8 showed that 91.3% of the patients in the intervention group were adherent after 7 weeks versus 86.8% in the control group (4.5% difference, 95% CI 0.8–8.2, P = 0.017). The corresponding proportions were 88.7% versus 83.7% after 18 weeks (5.0% difference, 95% CI 0.8–9.2, P = 0.021). NPD data (n = 1294) showed no significant difference in adherence after 52 weeks (95% CI −2.0 to 7.8, P = 0.24). However, adherence among statin users (n = 182) was 66.5% in the intervention group versus 57.4% among new statin users in the general population (n = 1500) (difference 9.1%, 95% CI 1.5–16.0, P = 0.019).

Conclusion

The main outcome measure indicates that a short, structured pharmacist‐led intervention may increase medication adherence for patients starting on chronic cardiovascular medication. However, these findings could not be confirmed by the NPD data analysis.

Interventional study to improve adherence to phosphate binder treatment in dialysis patients

Background

Adherence to phosphate binder treatment is important to prevent high serum phosphate level in chronic dialysis patients. We therefore wanted to investigate patient knowledge, beliefs about and adherence to phosphate binders among these patients and assess whether one-to-one pharmacist-led education and counselling enhance adherence and lead to changes in serum phosphate levels.

Methods

A descriptive, interventional, single arm, pre-post study was performed at a hospital in Norway, including chronic dialysis patients aged 18 years or more using phosphate binders. The primary end-point was change in the proportion of patients with serum phosphate below 1.80 mmol/L and the secondary end-points included change in the patient’s knowledge, beliefs and adherence after the intervention measured by completion of questionnaires ‘Patient Knowledge’, Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS− 5) and Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ). Data was collected both prior to and after one-to-one pharmacist-led education and counselling about their phosphate binders. Other medicines used by the patient was also registered.

Results

A total of 69 patients were enrolled in the study. After intervention, the probability of serum phosphate being below the target threshold 1.80 mmol/L (5.58 mg/dL) increased, although no significant change in mean serum phosphate levels was seen. On the other hand, the knowledge regarding phosphate binder treatment and the patients’ beliefs about the necessity of the treatment increased, while the concerns decreased (BMQ). This effect did not lead to increase in self-reported adherence measured by MARS-5. However the scores were high before the intervention.

Conclusions

Short term one-to-one individualized pharmacist-led education and counselling about phosphate binders increased the probability of serum phosphate concentrations being below the target threshold level 1.80 mmol/L (5.58 mg/dL), although not statistically significant. However, it did not decrease the mean serum phosphate level or increase the patients’ self-reported adherence. The patients increased their knowledge about the phosphate binder and their understanding of adherence, and were less concerned about the side effects of the medication.

Trial registration

ISRCTN52852596, registered 11 April 2019. The trial was registered retrospectively.

Disturbed eating, illness perceptions, and coping among adults with type 1 diabetes on intensified insulin treatment, and their associations with metabolic control

This study investigated associations between psychological aspects and metabolic control among adults with type 1 diabetes ( n = 282). Linear regression analyses demonstrated that the illness perception personal control and the coping strategy seeking emotional social support explained 23.2 percent of the variance in hemoglobin A1c among females ( β = 0.40, p < 0.001 and β = −0.22, p < 0.01, respectively). Among males, only personal control remained significant, explaining 13.9 percent of the variance in hemoglobin A1c ( β = 0.37, p < 0.001). The associations between psychological correlates and hemoglobin A1c indicate that addressing such aspects clinically may facilitate metabolic control, thereby potentially contributing to reduce the risk of complications.

Participation in decision-making about medication: A qualitative analysis of medication adherence

Rates of relapse in BD are high with medication nonadherence identified as an important contributor to relapse. Psychopharmacology remains a key component to the treatment of BD; therefore, increased understanding of medication use and ways to promote greater adherence is essential. The aim of the study was to identify how participants with BD experience taking prescribed medication. Participants had BD I or BD II, were users of specialist mental health services, aged 18-64 years, euthymic, mildly hypomanic or depressed, and on any combination of medication. Exclusion criteria were minimal. A semistructured interview was completed exploring patients' views of BD and factors influencing adherence based on the Subjective Experience of Medication Interview. An inductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes. The study participants (n = 36) had predominantly bipolar I (78%) and were female (69%), and of New Zealand European ethnicity (67%) with 14% Maori. The mean age was 41 years (SD: 12.0). Findings from the thematic analysis generated three themes: Learning about the clinical meaning of having BD, Understanding how to use medication, and Understanding what works for me. The qualitative nature of our study limits the generalizability of our findings to a broader population of individuals with BD. The participants developed confidence in being in charge of their BD through a process of learning about BD and medication and understanding what this meant for them. The findings support greater emphasis on collaborative approaches that recognize the expertise of the individual with BD and the clinician.

Knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among Norwegian pharmacy customers - a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat. Public knowledge is considered a prerequisite for appropriate use of antibiotics and limited spread of antibiotic resistance. Our aim was to examine the level of knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among Norwegian pharmacy customers, and to assess to which degree beliefs, attitudes and sociodemographic factors are associated with this knowledge.

METHODS

A questionnaire based, cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacy customers in three Norwegian cities. The questionnaire covered 1) knowledge of antibiotics (13 statements) and antibiotic resistance (10 statements), 2) the general beliefs about medicines questionnaire (BMQ general) (three subdomains, four statements each), 3) attitudes toward antibiotic use (four statements), and 4) sociodemographic factors, life style and health. High knowledge level was defined as > 66% of maximum score. Factors associated with knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance were investigated through univariate and multiple linear regression. Hierarchical model regression was used to estimate a population average knowledge score weighted for age, gender and level of education.

RESULTS

Among 877 participants, 57% had high knowledge of antibiotics in general and 71% had high knowledge of antibiotic resistance. More than 90% knew that bacteria can become resistant against antibiotics and that unnecessary use of antibiotics can make them less effective. Simultaneously, more than 30% erroneously stated that antibiotics are effective against viruses, colds or influenza. Factors positively associated with antibiotic knowledge were health professional background, high education level, and a positive view on the value of medications in general. Male gender, a less restrictive attitude toward antibiotic use, and young age were negatively associated with antibiotic knowledge. The mean overall antibiotic knowledge score was relatively high (15.6 out of maximum 23 with estimated weighted population score at 14.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a high level of knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among Norwegian pharmacy customers, there are obvious knowledge gaps. We suggest that action is taken to increase the knowledge level, and particularly target people in vocational, male dominated occupations outside the health service, and primary/secondary school curricula.

Predicting rehospitalization in patients treated with antipsychotics: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Prediction of rehospitalization in patients treated with antipsychotics is important for identifying patients in need of additional support to prevent hospitalization. Our aim was to identify factors that predict rehospitalization in patients treated with antipsychotics at discharge from a psychiatric hospital.

METHODS

Adult patients suffering from schizophrenia, psychotic or bipolar I disorders who had been hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital for ⩾7 days and were treated with oral antipsychotics at discharge were included. The main outcome was rehospitalization within 6 months after discharge. A prediction model for rehospitalization was constructed including: patient/disease and medication characteristics, patients' beliefs about medicines, and healthcare-professional-rated assessment for all patients. The patients were stratified by diagnosis (schizophrenia and nonschizophrenia). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC_ROC) was also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 87 patients were included and 33.3% of them were rehospitalized within 6 months after discharge. The variables that predicted rehospitalization were duration of hospitalization, patients' attitude towards medicine use, and healthcare-professional-rated assessment with an AUC_ROC of 0.82. Rehospitalization for patients with schizophrenia could be predicted (AUC_ROC = 0.71) by the Global Assessment of Functioning score, age, and harm score. Rehospitalization was predicted (AUC_ROC = 0.73) for nonschizophrenia patients with, for example rehospitalization predicted by the nurse.

CONCLUSIONS

Rehospitalization was predicted by a combination of variables from the patient/disease and medication characteristics, patients' attitude towards medicine use, and healthcare-professional-rated assessment. These variables can be assessed relatively easily at discharge to predict rehospitalization within 6 months.

Efficacy of shared decision-making on treatment adherence of patients with bipolar disorder: a cluster randomized trial (ShareD-BD)

BACKGROUND

Shared decision-making (SDM) is a model of interaction between doctors and patients in which both actors contribute to the medical decision-making process. SDM has raised great interest in mental healthcare over the last decade, as it is considered a fundamental part of patient-centered care. However, there is no research evaluating the efficacy of SDM compared to usual care (CAU), as it relates to quality of care and more specifically treatment adherence, in bipolar disorder (BD).

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a 12-month multi-centre, cluster-randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of SDM to CAU. Adult BD patients (n = 300) will be eligible after stabilization for at least 4 weeks following an acute mood episode. The intervention will consist of applying the standardized SDM process as developed by the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute in order to choose the maintenance treatment of BD. A multidisciplinary team developed a decision aid "choose my long-term treatment with my doctor" for BD patients to clarify possible therapeutic options. Primary outcome will assess the patient's level of adherence (based on hetero-evaluation) of ongoing treatment at 12 months. Secondary outcomes will assess the difference between the 2 groups of patients in terms of adherence to maintenance drug therapy based on other measures (self-assessment scale and plasma levels of mood stabilizers). Additionally, other dimensions will be assessed: decisional conflict, satisfaction with care and involvement in decision making, beliefs about treatment, therapeutic relationship, knowledge about information for medical decision and clinical outcomes (depression, mania, functioning and quality of life). The primary endpoint will be analysed without adjustment by comparison of adherence scores between the two groups using Student t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests according to the variable distribution. A set of secondary analyses will be adjusted for covariates of clinical interest using generalized linear mixed regression models.

DISCUSSION

This will be the first study evaluating the effect of an SDM intervention on patient adherence in BD. This is also an innovative protocol because it proposes the development of an evidence-based tool that should help patients and clinicians to initiate discussions regarding the use of BD treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03245593 .

Skepticism and pharmacophobia toward medication may negatively impact adherence to psychiatric medications: a comparison among outpatient samples recruited in Spain, Argentina, and Venezuela

BACKGROUND

Cultural differences in attitudes toward psychiatric medications influence medication adherence but transcultural studies are missing. The objective of this study was to investigate how attitudes and beliefs toward psychotropic medications influence treatment adherence in psychiatric outpatients in Spain, Argentina, and Venezuela.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, cross-cultural psychopharmacology study was designed to assess psychiatric outpatients' attitudes toward their prescribed medication. Patients completed the Drug Attitude Inventory - 10 Item (DAI-10), the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire - Specific Scale (BMQ-Specific), the Sidorkiewicz adherence tool, and sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires. The study included 1,291 adult psychiatric outpatients using 2,308 psychotropic drugs from three Spanish-speaking countries, the Canary Islands (Spain) (N=588 patients), Argentina (N=508), and Venezuela (N=195).

RESULTS

The univariate analyses showed different mean scores on the DAI-10 and the BMQ - Necessity and Concerns subscales but, on the other hand, the percentages of non-adherent and skeptical patients were relatively similar in three countries. Argentinian patients had a very low level of pharmacophobia. Multivariate analyses (logistic regression and chi-squared automatic interaction detector segmentation) showed that pharmacophobia in general and skepticism about specific medications (high concern about adverse reactions and low belief in their necessity) were associated with non-adherence. Pharmacophobia was the major factor associated with non-adherence (Spain and Venezuela) but when pharmacophobia was rare (Argentina), skepticism was the most important variable associated with non-adherence.

CONCLUSION

Psychiatric patients' attitudes and beliefs about their psychiatric treatment varied in these three Spanish-speaking countries, but pharmacophobia and skepticism appeared to play a consistent role in lack of adherence.

Are carer attitudes toward medications related to self-reported medication adherence amongst people with mental illness?

Medication nonadherence among consumers with psychiatric disorders can significantly affect the health and wellbeing of the consumer and their family. Previous research has suggested that carers have an impact on consumer attitudes toward medication and adherence. Yet, how carer attitudes toward medication may be related to consumer attitudes and adherence has received little investigation. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the relationships between carer and consumer attitudes toward medication and consumer adherence behaviour. A cross-sectional survey assessing consumer and carer attitudes toward medication and consumer adherence was conducted amongst 42 consumer-carer dyads. Correlation analyses showed a positive association between consumer and carer attitudes toward medication and between consumer and carer attitudes with adherence. There was a general indication that the greater the difference between consumer and carer attitudes, the lower the level of adherence. Regression analyses revealed that while neither consumer nor carer attitudes were significant predictors of adherence, carer attitudes appeared to have a stronger role in adherence than consumer attitudes. These preliminary results highlight the importance of carer attitudes in relation to patient perceptions and behaviours toward medication, and thus the potential benefits of addressing both consumer and carer attitudes in any intervention for improving adherence.

Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire on Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

OBJECTIVES

Inadequate adaptation to long-term treatment of chronic illnesses is the most common reason for the inability to obtain the benefits medications can provide. Treatment compliance is influenced by several factors. Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) developed by Horne et al. in 1999 to evaluate the cognitive representation of medicines have many validation studies, which resulted in good psychometric properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the BMQ Turkish translation in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty asthma and 50 COPD patients participated in this methodological study. The scale was adapted to Turkish through translation, comparison with other language versions, back translation, and a pre-test. The structural validity was assessed using factor analysis.

RESULTS

Similar to the original scale, factor analysis confirmed that BMQ had a four-factor structure that accounts for 58.23% of the total variance. The BMQ showed an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient: specific-necessity, 0.832: specific-concerns, 0.722; general-harm, 0.792; and general-overuse, 0.682). The factor analysis revealed the same patterns for all questions between the Turkish and original scales.

CONCLUSION

The psychometric properties of the BMQ were consistent with those reported in the original study. We found that the Turkish translation of BMQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing medicine-related beliefs in patients with asthma and COPD.

The effect of counseling on willingness to use a hypothetical medication and perceptions of medication safety

BACKGROUND

Poor medication adherence is an ongoing issue, and contributes to increased hospitalizations and healthcare costs. Although most adverse effects are rare, the perceived risk of adverse effects may contribute to low adherence rates.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to determine how adverse effect likelihood and pharmacist counseling on adverse effect prevention affects individuals': (1) willingness to use a hypothetical medication and (2) perceptions of medication safety.

METHODS

This study used a 3 × 3 experimental design. Participants (n = 601) viewed a hypothetical scenario asking them to imagine being prescribed an anti-asthma medication that could cause fungal infections of the throat. Participants were randomized to 1 of 9 scenarios that differed on: probability of developing an infection (5%, 20%, no probability mentioned) and whether they were told how to reduce the risk of infection (no prevention strategy discussed, prevention strategy discussed, prevention strategy discussed with explanation for how it works). Participants were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk.

RESULTS

Participants were less willing to take the medication (F = 12.86, p < 0.0001) and considered it less safe (F = 13.11, p < 0.0001) when the probability of fungal infection was presented as 20% compared to 5% or when no probability information was given. Participants were more willing to take the medication (F = 11.78, p < 0.0001) and considered it safer (F = 11.17, p < 0.0001) when a prevention strategy was given. Finally, there was a non-statistically significant interaction between the probability and prevention strategy information such that provision of prevention information reduced the effect of variation in the probability of infection on both willingness to use the medication and perceived medication safety.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal risk communication involves more than informing patients about possible adverse effects. Pharmacists could potentially improve patient acceptance of therapeutic recommendations, and allay medication safety concerns, by counseling about strategies patients can implement to reduce the perceived risk of adverse effects.

Impact of Participation in the Adalimumab (Humira) Patient Support Program on Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Course: Results from the PASSION Study

INTRODUCTION

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are treated with adalimumab (ADA) are offered a proprietary patient support program (PSP, AbbVie Care^®). The main objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of ADA on RA treatment course over time in the context of PSP utilization.

METHODS

PASSION was a 78-week post-marketing observational study of RA patients with an insufficient response to ≥1 DMARD newly initiating ADA in routine clinical care that was conducted in Europe, Israel, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Australia. One prior biologic DMARD was allowed. The primary endpoint was percentage of patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID; improvement of ≥0.22 compared to baseline) in Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) Disability Index (HAQ-DI) at week 78. Additionally, multiple clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were evaluated over time. Patients were categorized based on their participation in the PSP: ever (PSP users) vs. never (PSP non-users). Safety events were monitored throughout the study.

RESULTS

Overall, 42.8% of PSP users achieved the MCID in HAQ-DI at week 78 (improvement of at least 0.22 compared to baseline). From 1025 enrolled, 48.7% of patients were PSP users while treated with ADA. The percentage of patients achieving MCID in the HAQ-DI was higher in PSP users vs. PSP non-users (48.1 vs. 37.8%) at week 78 (p < 0.001, NRI). Most of the studied clinical outcomes and PROs showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) from baseline to week 78 favoring PSP users over PSP non-users.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with moderate-to-severe RA who initiated ADA, improvements in clinical, functional, and PROs were achieved in real-world settings with significantly greater improvements among PSP users in comparison with PSP non-users.

FUNDING

AbbVie.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01383421.

Psychometric properties of the Belief about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) in the Maltese language

BACKGROUND

Investigating beliefs about medicines has been of interest over the past years, with studies aiming to better understand theoretical reasons behind development of such beliefs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to produce a culturally and contextually appropriate version of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) in the Maltese language and to assess its psychometric properties.

METHODS

Medication beliefs were evaluated using the BMQ which is divided into two sections: BMQ-General (sub-scales: Overuse and Harm, 4 items per sub-scale) and BMQ-Specific (sub-scales: Necessity and Concerns, 5 items per sub-scale). Following translation/back translation, the Maltese version of the BMQ was applied to patients having asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or depression who attended out-patients' clinics at the main state general hospital in Malta between June and September 2013. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, alpha, was used to determine internal consistency of the BMQ and Principal Component Analysis using Varimax rotation with Kaiser normalisation was carried out to analyse component loading of the items on the respective sub-scales.

RESULTS

The Maltese version of the BMQ showed acceptable internal consistency for the harm scale (alpha=0.56), the necessity scale (alpha=0.73) and the concerns scale (alpha=0.66), however the overuse scale gave poor internal consistency (alpha=0.48) due to the item on natural remedies which posed some difficulty in the Maltese sample. The final solution for Principal Component Analysis yielded a four-factor structure representing the 4 sub-scales of the BMQ, with results being comparable to previous studies out in different languages.

CONCLUSION

The Maltese version of the BMQ was found to have acceptable psychometric properties for the beliefs about medicines in the Maltese population.

Exploratory analysis of the French version of the beliefs about medicines questionnaire in patients with severe mental disorders: Factorial structure and reliability in specific populations of schizophrenic, bipolar and depressive patients

OBJECTIVES

The aims of our study were to explore the factor structure and psychometric properties of the French version of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) in patients with severe mental illness and in specific populations of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study including patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder was conducted (n = 150). Principal component analysis (PCA), reliability and validity of the French version of the BMQ were performed.

RESULTS

PCA revealed a two-factor structure similar to the original structure for the BMQ-Specific scale but only a one-component solution for the BMQ-General scale in both the total sample and the three subgroups. These subscales have satisfactory internal consistency. Validity was supported by the significant correlations of all BMQ subscales with the Drug Attitude Inventory.

CONCLUSION

The French version of the BMQ appears as a three-dimensional scale and presents satisfactory psychometric properties for use in patients with severe mental illness as well as specific populations of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.

Attitudes toward antipsychotic medications as a useful feature in exploring medication non-adherence in schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the interest in the attitudes toward antipsychotic medication in exploring medication non-adherence.

METHODS

Schizophrenic patients (N=120) completed the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire and measures of medication adherence, and clinical outcomes. Comparison between four attitudinal groups and logistic regressions were performed.

RESULTS

High level of adherence varied significantly between attitudinal groups (Accepting, 70%; Indifferent, 63%; Ambivalent, 50%; Sceptical, 14%; p<0.001). Poor insight and psychic side effects were the most significant predictors of negative beliefs.

CONCLUSION

The attitudinal groups approach could facilitate the identification of patients with non-adherence and determine individual targets of interventions to improve negative beliefs.

Medication beliefs mediate the association between medical mistrust and antiretroviral adherence among African Americans living with HIV/AIDS

Medical mistrust is a significant barrier to medication adherence among African Americans living with HIV. In this study 380 African American people receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a southern US city completed computerized measures at a community-based research site. Multiple mediation modeling showed that medical provider mistrust was associated with medication beliefs and ART adherence. Also, medication beliefs predicted adherence. The indirect effects of medical mistrust on adherence via medication beliefs was significant; the indirect effect was significant for medication concerns beliefs, but not medication necessity beliefs. Medication concerns beliefs therefore mediate the association between medical mistrust and ART adherence.

Race-based medical mistrust, medication beliefs and HIV treatment adherence: test of a mediation model in people living with HIV/AIDS

Race-based medical mistrust significantly predicts non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV. The current study builds on previous research that shows beliefs about medication necessity (i.e., "My medicines protect me from becoming worse") and concerns (i.e., "Having to take my medicines worries me") mediate the association between race-based medical mistrust and medication adherence. Racial and ethnic minority men and women living with HIV and receiving ART (N = 178) in a southern US city completed computerized measures of demographic and health characteristics, telephone interviews of race-based medical mistrust and medication beliefs, and unannounced phone-based pill counts for ART adherence. Multiple mediation modeling showed that medical mistrust is related to medication necessity and concerns beliefs and ART adherence. Furthermore, medication necessity beliefs predicted ART adherence. The indirect effect of medical mistrust on adherence through medication necessity beliefs was also significant. Results confirm that medication necessity beliefs, although not concerns beliefs, mediate the association between medical mistrust and ART adherence. Medication necessity beliefs offer a viable target for interventions to improve ART adherence in the context of mistrust that patients may have for medical providers and health care systems.

Prenatal triptan exposure and parent-reported early childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes: an application of propensity score calibration to adjust for unmeasured confounding by migraine severity

PURPOSE

Triptan medications are serotonin agonists used to treat migraine, a chronic pain condition highly prevalent in women of reproductive age. Data on the safety of triptans during pregnancy are scant. We sought to quantify the association of prenatal triptan exposure on neurodevelopment in 3-year-old children.

METHODS

Using data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study, we used propensity score matching to examine associations between prenatal triptan exposure and psychomotor function, communication, and temperament. We used an external validation study to perform propensity calibration to adjust effect estimates for confounders unmeasured in the main study (migraine severity, type, and maternal attitudes towards medication use).

RESULTS

We identified 4204 women who reported migraine headache at baseline, of which 375 (8.9%) reported using a triptan greater than or equal to once during pregnancy. Children with prenatal triptan exposure had 1.37-fold greater unadjusted odds of fine motor problems (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.77), which decreased after propensity score matching (odds ratio (OR): 1.29, 95%CI 0.97-1.73) and was further attenuated after calibration (OR: 1.25, 95%CI 0.89-1.74). We observed no increased risk for gross motor or communication problems, and no differences in temperament. Adjustment for migraine severity using propensity score calibration had a moderate impact on effect estimates, with percent changes ranging from 2.4% to 50%.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal triptan exposure was not associated with psychomotor function, communication problems, or temperament in 3-year-old children. Adjustment for migraine severity reduced effect estimates and should be considered in future studies of the safety of triptans during pregnancy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Inflammatory evidence for the psychosis continuum model

BACKGROUND

Inflammation and immune activation have been implicated in the pathophysiology of severe mental disorders. Previous studies of inflammatory markers, however, have been limited with somewhat inconsistent results.

AIMS

We aimed to determine the effect sizes of inflammatory marker alterations across diagnostic groups of the psychosis continuum and investigate association to antipsychotic medications.

METHODS

Plasma levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNF-R1), interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and von Willebrand factor (vWf) were measured in patients (n=992) with schizophrenia spectrum (SCZ, n=584), schizoaffective disorder (SA, n=93), affective spectrum disorders (AFF, n=315), and healthy controls (HC, n=638).

RESULTS

Levels of sTNF-R1 (p=1.8×10(-8), d=0.23) and IL-1Ra (p=0.002, d=0.16) were increased in patients compared to HC. The SCZ group had higher levels of sTNF-R1 (p=8.5×10(-8), d=0.27) and IL-1Ra (p=5.9×10(-5), d=0.25) compared to HC, and for sTNF-R1 this was also seen in the SA group (p=0.01, d=0.3) and in the AFF group (p=0.002, d=0.12). Further, IL-1Ra (p=0.004, d=0.25) and vWf (p=0.02, d=0.21) were increased in the SCZ compared to the AFF group. There was no significant association between inflammatory markers and use of antipsychotic medication.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate a small increase in sTNF-R1 and IL-1Ra in patients with severe mental disorders supporting a role of inflammatory mechanisms in disease pathophysiology. The increase was more pronounced in SCZ compared to AFF supporting a continuum psychosis model related to immune factors.

The necessity-concerns framework predicts adherence to medication in multiple illness conditions: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis investigated whether beliefs in the necessity and concerns of medicine and the necessity-concerns differential are correlated with medication adherence on a population level and in different conditions.

METHODS

An electronic search of Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed and CINAHL was conducted for manuscripts utilising the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire and comparing it to any measure of medication adherence. Studies were pooled using the random-effects model to produce a mean overall effect size correlation. Studies were stratified for condition, adherence measure, power and study design.

RESULTS

Ninety-four papers were included in the meta-analysis. The overall effect size(r) for necessity, concerns, and necessity-concerns differential was 0.17, -0.18 and 0.24 respectively and these were all significant (p<0.0001). Effect size for necessity was stronger in asthma and weaker in the cardiovascular group compared to the overall effect size.

CONCLUSION

Necessity and concerns beliefs and the necessity-concerns differential were correlated with medication adherence on a population level and across the majority of included conditions. The effect sizes were mostly small with a magnitude comparable to other predictors of adherence.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that necessity and concern beliefs about medicines are one important factor to consider when understanding reasons for non-adherence.

Psychological barriers to optimal insulin therapy: more concerns in adolescent females than males

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate psychological barriers (illness perceptions, insulin beliefs, and coping strategies) to optimal insulin therapy among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D), with a specific focus on gender differences and mode of treatment (insulin pump vs pen).

METHODS

A total of 105 males and females (12-20 years) participated in this study. The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, and the Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences were completed. Additionally, diabetes clinical data were collected by the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry.

RESULTS

Females had significantly more negative illness perceptions than males on all dimensions (p<0.05), with moderate-to-large effect sizes. Regarding insulin beliefs, females scored significantly higher than males on insulin concern (p<0.001), indicating more concerns about insulin. There were no significant gender differences on perceptions of insulin necessity. Finally, females scored significantly higher on the coping strategies being social and solving family problems (p<0.01), indicating more positive coping among females than males for these subscales. In terms of treatment mode, the only statistically significant difference in the psychological aspects was for the illness perception treatment control, with patients using insulin pen reporting more negative perceptions on this dimension than patients using insulin pump.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing psychological aspects may be a clinically important supplement to standard somatic T1D care. The consistent finding of gender differences across the psychological measures implies that a tailored treatment approach for males and females with T1D may be warranted.

Metabolic Control and Illness Perceptions in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Disturbed eating behavior and psychosocial variables have been found to influence metabolic control, but little is known about how these variables interact or how they influence metabolic control, separately and combined.

OBJECTIVE

To explore associations between metabolic control (measured by HbA1c) and eating disorder psychopathology, coping strategies, illness perceptions, and insulin beliefs in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 105 patients (41.9% males) with type 1 diabetes (12-20 years) were interviewed with the Child Eating Disorder Examination. In addition, self-report psychosocial questionnaires were completed. Clinical data, including HbA1c, was obtained from the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry.

RESULTS

Significant gender differences were demonstrated. Among females, HbA1c correlated significantly with eating restriction (.29, p < .05), the illness perception dimensions consequences, personal control, coherence, and concern (ranging from .33 to .48), and the coping strategy ventilating negative feelings (-.26, p < .05). Illness perception personal control contributed significantly to HbA1c in a regression model, explaining 23% of the variance among females (β .48, p < .001). None of the variables were significantly associated with HbA1c among males.

CONCLUSIONS

Illness perceptions appear to be important contributors to metabolic control in females, but not males, with type 1 diabetes.

Medication beliefs and structural barriers to treatment adherence among people living with HIV infection

BACKGROUND

People living in poverty face multiple structural challenges to medication adherence including lack of transportation, inadequate housing and food insecurity. The degree to which individuals' motivations to remain adherent may overcome structural barriers has received limited attention.

PURPOSE

To examine whether medication necessity and concerns beliefs predict antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence over and above structural adherence barriers associated with poverty.

METHODS

People living with HIV in a southern US city (N = 942) completed computerised interviews, an objective measure of adherence and HIV viral suppression obtained from medical records. Hierarchical logistic regression models were constructed to examine demographic and illness characteristics, structural barriers, mental health, substance use and medication necessity and concerns beliefs as predictors of ART adherence.

RESULTS

In multivariable models, current drug use and medication necessity and concerns beliefs predicted treatment adherence over and above demographic, health, mental health and structural factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Medication beliefs are proximal and powerful motivating factors that predict adherence. Adherence interventions should directly address medication beliefs in developing strategies to manage barriers facing people with HIV living in poverty.

Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes--The Impact of Gender, Age, and Health-Related Functioning on Eating Disorder Psychopathology

Objective

To investigate correlates of eating disorder psychopathology in adolescent males and females with type 1 diabetes.

Method

A total of 105 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (42% males), aged 12–20 years, were recruited from the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry in this population-based study. All participants were interviewed with the Child Eating Disorder Examination. Additionally, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences and the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire were administered to assess health-related functioning. Clinical data were obtained from the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry.

Results

Significant gender differences were demonstrated in the pattern of correlates of eating disorder pathology. Among females, eating disorder psychopathology was significantly associated with body mass index adjusted for age and gender, age, insulin restriction, coping, illness perceptions, and perceptions of insulin concern. In a regression model, age, illness perceptions, and insulin restriction remained significantly associated with eating disorder psychopathology, explaining 48% of the variance. None of the variables were associated with eating disorder psychopathology among males.

Discussion

Greater clinical awareness of illness perceptions, attitudes toward insulin, and insulin restriction may potentially decrease the risk of developing eating disorders among female adolescents with type 1 diabetes, and the subsequent increased morbidity and mortality associated with comorbid type 1 diabetes and eating disorders.

Medication Discontinuation in Patients After Discharge From a Psychiatric Hospital

BACKGROUND

Patients discharged from psychiatric hospitals may be at risk for intentional or unintentional discontinuation of their medication.

OBJECTIVE

To describe and assess the discontinuation of, and changes to, psychiatric and/or somatic medication in patients after discharge from psychiatric hospitals.

METHODS

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted in patients discharged from 4 psychiatric hospitals in The Netherlands between 2006 and 2009. Patients' medication use during the last 2 days of hospitalization was compared with medication dispensed during the 3 months following discharge. Changes in psychiatric and somatic medication were investigated and defined as medication discontinuation, start, or switch. Patients were classified as continuing users, when there were no changes to the medication after discharge. Relative risks with 95% confidence intervals to measure differences in discontinuation were estimated using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

This study included 1324 patients, 69.8% of whom discontinued medication, and 9.7% switched one or more medications. Nearly half (47.4%) of all patients started a medication other than that dispensed during the last 2 days of hospitalization, and 13.7% of all patients experienced no changes to their medication regimen. Approximately 40% of the patients discontinued one or more medications for chronic conditions. From these, 68% discontinued psychiatric medications and 49.4% discontinued somatic medications. A quarter (25.2%) of the 644 patients discontinued using antipsychotics. More than a quarter (28.4%) of the 292 patients using medications for cardiovascular problems discontinued. Patients using as-needed medication prior to discharge were more likely to discontinue their medication (relative risk = 1.85; 95% confidence interval = 1.55-2.20).

CONCLUSIONS

Discharge from a psychiatric hospital led to medication discontinuation in approximately 70% of all patients. Approximately 40% of the patients discontinued medications for chronic conditions. Discontinuation of somatic medication was more frequent than discontinuation of psychiatric medication, and risk of discontinuation was lower for patients with depressive and anxiety disorders. Although medication discontinuation can be deliberate it is alarming that a quarter of our patients using antipsychotics and cardiovascular medications discontinued their use, both of which are meant for chronic conditions.

Patterns and factors associated with low adherence to psychotropic medications during pregnancy--a cross-sectional, multinational web-based study

BACKGROUND

No previous studies have explored how closely women follow their psychotropic drug regimens during pregnancy. This study aimed to explore patterns of and factors associated with low adherence to psychotropic medication during pregnancy.

METHODS

Multinational web-based study was performed in 18 countries in Europe, North America, and Australia. Uniform data collection was ensured via an electronic questionnaire. Pregnant women were eligible to participate. Adherence was measured via the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). The Beliefs about Prescribed Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ-specific), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and a numeric rating scale were utilized to measure women's beliefs, depressive symptoms, and antidepressant risk perception, respectively. Participants reporting use of psychotropic medication during pregnancy (n = 160) were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

On the basis of the MMAS-8, 78 of 160 women (48.8%, 95% CI: 41.1-56.4%) demonstrated low adherence during pregnancy. The rates of low adherence were 51.3% for medication for anxiety, 47.2% for depression, and 42.9% for other psychiatric disorders. Smoking during pregnancy, elevated antidepressant risk perception (risk≥6), and depressive symptoms were associated with a significant 3.9-, 2.3-, and 2.5-fold increased likelihood of low medication adherence, respectively. Women on psychotropic polytherapy were less likely to demonstrate low adherence. The belief that the benefit of pharmacotherapy outweighed the risks positively correlated (r = .282) with higher medication adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one of two pregnant women using psychotropic medication demonstrated low adherence in pregnancy. Life-style factors, risk perception, depressive symptoms, and individual beliefs are important factors related to adherence to psychotropic medication in pregnancy.

Medication adherence in people dually treated for HIV infection and mental health conditions: test of the medications beliefs framework

Beliefs about medication necessity and concerns predict treatment adherence in people with a wide-array of medical conditions, including HIV infection. However, medication beliefs have not been examined in people dually treated with psychotropic medications and antiretroviral therapy. In the current study, we used a prospective design to investigate the factors associated with adherence to psychotropic medications and antiretrovirals among 123 dually treated persons living with HIV. We used unannounced phone-based pill counts to monitor adherence to psychiatric and antiretroviral medications over a 6-week period. Hierarchical regression models included demographic, health and psychosocial characteristics as predictors of adherence followed by medication necessity and concerns beliefs. Results showed that medication necessity beliefs predicted both antiretroviral and psychiatric medication adherence over and above established predictors of adherence. Medication concerns also predicted psychotropic adherence, but not antiretroviral adherence. These models accounted for 31 and 22 % of the variance in antiretroviral and psychotropic adherence, respectively. Findings suggest that the necessity-concerns medication beliefs framework has utility in understanding adherence to multiple medications and addressing these beliefs should be integrated into adherence interventions.

Beliefs about medicines in Dutch acenocoumarol and phenprocoumon users

AIMS

Adherence to the generally complex regimen of coumarin derivatives is vital in order to keep patients in the adequate International Normalized Ratio range. Patients' beliefs about medicines are associated with the level of therapy adherence. Our first aim was to assess beliefs about coumarins. Secondly, we compared the beliefs about coumarins with the beliefs about other cardiovascular drugs.

METHODS

The Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire was used to assess medication beliefs. The questionnaire was completed by new users of coumarins indicated for venous thromboembolism or atrial fibrillation. A necessity score and a concerns score were calculated for all patients. The analyses were repeated for users of antihypertensive drugs or statins (not using coumarins).

RESULTS

Three hundred and twenty patients were included in the analysis of the beliefs about coumarins. The mean necessity score was 15.3, the concerns score 12.3 and the necessity-concerns differential 3.0. Patients with venous thromboembolism (n = 71) had higher necessity scores than patients with atrial fibrillation (n = 249; 16.8 vs. 14.9, P < 0.001). The mean necessity score in 493 users of other cardiovascular drugs was 16.1, the concerns score 13.5 and the necessity-concerns differential 2.6. The necessity score was higher in chronic cardiovascular drug users (n = 192) than in new users (n = 301; 17.9 vs. 14.9, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Coumarin users score higher on the necessity scale than on the concerns scale, which is also the case in users of other cardiovascular drugs. Patients with atrial fibrillation have a less positive attitude towards these drugs than patients with venous thromboembolism, and could therefore benefit more from specific attention.

Do patient and ward-related characteristics influence the use of coercive measures? Results from the EUNOMIA international study

PURPOSE

This study aims to identify whether selected patient and ward-related factors are associated with the use of coercive measures. Data were collected as part of the EUNOMIA international collaborative study on the use of coercive measures in ten European countries.

METHODS

Involuntarily admitted patients (N = 2,027) were divided into two groups. The first group (N = 770) included patients that had been subject to at least one of these coercive measures during hospitalization: restraint, and/or seclusion, and/or forced medication; the other group (N = 1,257) included patients who had not received any coercive measure during hospitalization. To identify predictors of use of coercive measures, both patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and centre-related characteristics were tested in a multivariate logistic regression model, controlled for countries' effect.

RESULTS

The frequency of the use of coercive measures varied significantly across countries, being higher in Poland, Italy and Greece. Patients who received coercive measures were more frequently male and with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder (F20-F29). According to the regression model, patients with higher levels of psychotic and hostility symptoms, and of perceived coercion had a higher risk to be coerced at admission. Controlling for countries' effect, the risk of being coerced was higher in Poland. Patients' sociodemographic characteristics and ward-related factors were not identifying as possible predictors because they did not enter the model.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of coercive measures varied significantly in the participating countries. Clinical factors, such as high levels of psychotic symptoms and high levels of perceived coercion at admission were associated with the use of coercive measures, when controlling for countries' effect. These factors should be taken into consideration by programs aimed at reducing the use of coercive measures in psychiatric wards.