Reasons for Nonadherence to Statin Therapy - Survey Results Among Patients

Objectives and Course of the Survey

The aim of the qualitative study was to evaluate the reasons and trajectories of nonadherence to these hypolipidemic medications (rapidly stopping treatment, gradual discontinuation, missing doses...) as reported by the patients. Pharmacy students conducted a motivational telephone interview with 157 patients, through which they attempted to identify and clarify these parameters.

Results

A quarter of the patients did not report any specific barrier to taking statins even though they did not adhere to the treatment. Other respondents cited adverse events (40.1%), forgetfulness (30.0%), and lack of information about the treatment (25%) as the most common barriers to adherence. Patients who rapidly discontinued statins were mostly convinced that the treatment was not necessary. Patients with nonadherence characterized by missed doses most often cited obstacles in communicating with their doctor as the reason.

Conclusion

The results of this survey indicate a need for further targeted individualized interventions to improve adherence to statin therapy. Telephone interventions, among other things, made it possible to provide patients with information about statin treatment, clarify their therapeutic regimen, and explain the necessity of this therapy.

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Source: Vadhariya A., Paranjpe R., Essien E. J. et al. Patient-reported barriers to statin adherence: excerpts from a motivational interviewing intervention in older adults. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021 Jan-Feb; 61 (1): 60−67.e1, doi: 10.1016/j.japh.2020.09.002.