Abstract / Summary
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires long-term medication to slow disease progression and prevent complications; however, treatment complexity, polypharmacy, socioeconomic factors, and disease-related factors can contribute to poor medication adherence. This study assessed medication adherence among patients with CKD and its relationship with selected demographic and clinical variables using the 8-item Modified Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Methods: This Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study was performed in Nephrology Department of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. One hundred and fifty-one patients with diagnosed CKD, aged 17-60 years were recruited by consecutive sampling. Demographic and clinical data, such as sex, age, education, income status, CKD stage, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and the number of medications taken per day was collected. The MMAS-8 medication adherence questionnaire was used to determine medication adherence. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square/Fisher's exact tests, Mann–Whitney U tests and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: 151 people participated, 93 (61.6%) were classified as medication non-adherent and 58 (38.4%) were adherent. There was a significant association of medication non-adherence with hypertension (p=0.027). The number of medications taken per day was the most significant correlate of non-adherence (p<0.001). Medication burden was found to be a significant predictor of medication non-adherence when logistic regression analysis was performed (OR=1.57; p<0.001). Conclusion: Patient non-compliance with medications is a well-recognized issue with CKD patients. Adherence screening, counselling with the patient, and optimizing medication regimens might help improve adherence and aid in better management of CKD and clinical outcomes.