Medication Adherence and Satisfaction among Patients in Malaysia

Medication adherence is a priority to ensure therapeutic outcomes are achieved. However, in chronic ill patients, the burden of poly-pharmacy, complex regimens and multiple medications reduces the level of medication management and ultimately adherence in most patients. Therefore, this study was performed to identify the association between adherence and medication satisfaction among chronic ill patients in the local population. This was a prospective, cross sectional study conducted among chronic ill patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Patients were assessed using a validated questionnaire addressing demographics, adherence and satisfaction towards medication. A total number of 259 patients were enrolled in this study. Overall, 34 (13.2%) patients were found to be adherent to medication. It was demonstrated that patients that were adherent had a significantly lower number of medication (5.6±2.2) than those that were non-adherent (9.6±2.1) (t=-10.2, df=257, p<0.001). Approximately half (n=140, 54.1%) were satisfied with their medication. Those that were satisfied were more likely to be adherent than those that were not satisfied (χ=33.3, p<0.001). In conclusion, the complexity of a regimen and pill burden are among reasons why satisfaction and thus, adherence may be lower in patients with chronic illness.