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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Determinants and consequences of medication adherence in chronic disease management: A mixed-methods investigation
Authors
Sarabjit Singh, D G Desai
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship
between medication adherence and therapeutic outcomes in chronic disease
management. A mixed-methods design was employed with a purposive, stratified
sample of 250 patients with hypertension, diabetes, asthma, COPD, or
cardiovascular disorders from diverse healthcare settings. Adherence was
measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), pill counts,
and pharmacy refills, while outcomes were assessed via clinical parameters
(e.g., blood pressure, HbA1c), hospitalization rates, and quality of life
scores. The results revealed that only 25% of patients exhibited high
adherence, while 30% had low and 45% medium adherence. A strong, dose-response
relationship was established: high adherence was significantly associated with
superior clinical control (e.g., -3.1 mmHg systolic BP per adherence unit,
p<0.01), a 3.7-fold greater likelihood of symptom relief (p<0.01), and a
27% reduced hospitalization risk (p<0.01). Key determinants of adherence were
patient-related factors (knowledge, motivation), therapy complexity, side
effects, healthcare system support (e.g., follow-ups), and socioeconomic
barriers (cost, education). The findings confirm that medication adherence is a
pivotal, modifiable predictor of therapeutic success. The study underscores the
necessity of implementing multifaceted, patient-centered
interventions—including education, regimen simplification, enhanced provider
communication, and digital tools—to address the complex determinants of non-adherence,
thereby improving clinical outcomes and reducing the healthcare burden of
chronic diseases.
Pages:60-69
How to cite this article:
Sarabjit Singh, D G Desai "Determinants and consequences of medication adherence in chronic disease management: A mixed-methods investigation". International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 60-69
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