Patient adherence to prescribed pharmacological treatment at a specialized pediatric institute

Abstract

Adherence to pharmacological treatment is essential for controlling diseases, preventing complications, and  promoting  healthy  development  in  childhood,  ensuring  long-term  health  and  well-being.  This  study  aimed  to  analyze  factors  associated  with  treatment  adherence  in  pediatric  patients  attending  an  outpatient  clinic  at  a  specialized  institute.  An  observational,  cross-sectional  study  was  conducted,  surveying 385 parents or guardians using a 13-item questionnaire and the Morisky-Green-Levine test. The findings revealed that treatment adherence was 14.4 % among those with a high school education, 18.4 % among housewives, and 14.1 % among those with incomes below the minimum wage. Although 78.4  %  of  respondents  reported  no  adverse  reactions,  only  17.2  %  demonstrated  treatment  adherence.  Adherence also varied by gender and age: 16.4 % in women, 19.1 % in the 36–45 age group, 12.8 % in cohabiting couples, and 17.8 % in family households. The study highlights low adherence, particularly among  parents  or  guardians  with  high  school  education,  housewives,  and  those  managing  treatments  that  last  more  than  15  days.  Female  caregivers  aged  26  to  45  and  cohabiting  couples  were  particularly  associated  with  lower  medication  adherence.  Interventions  such  as  educational  programs,  mobile  reminders, and emotional support are recommended to enhance adherence rates.