Alas Dose: Addressing Medication Dosage Adherence Challenges among Individuals with Modern Lifestyle Demands

Abstract

Medication non-adherence affects approximately 50% of chronically ill patients globally which contributes to the increased morbidity and healthcare cost. This study observed the impact of modern lifestyle demands and the factors that contribute to the patients’ non-adherence, identify the challenges, and from the findings, provide possible solutions and strategies. Using a mixed-methods approach with a parallel convergence design, data were collected from thirty (30) individuals with chronic illnesses that take maintenance medications aged 18 years old and above in the province of Bulacan through an online survey questionnaire. The study identified irregular sleep, condensed daily schedules, competing responsibilities, and work/study commitments as significant barriers that compound to the non-adherence of patients, with half of the individuals constantly forgetting to take their medications on the prescribed times. While the majority of the respondents reported that they understand the importance and significance of their medications and the detrimental effects of non-adherence long-term, yet they weren't consistent and often missed their doses. Digital notification systems, applications, moral support from loved ones and healthcare workers, and pill organizers were reported to be very helpful by the respondents in adhering to their medication schedules with little variability in their responses. The findings demonstrate that dynamic modern lifestyle demands are a significant factor in patients’ non-adherence to their medications due to the static nature of medication regimens. Healthcare providers should conduct comprehensive assessments in patients’ dynamic daily lifestyle to accommodate a flexible routine to minimize cognitive burden and medication non-adherence. Developing a new supportive technology can also assist with increasing adherence amidst individuals’ modern lifestyle demands.