Prevalence and risk factors of non-adherence with immunosuppressive medication in kidney transplant patients

Am J Transplant. 2007 Jan;7(1):108-16. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2006.01611.x. Epub 2006 Nov 15.

Abstract

Non-adherence with immunosuppressive regimen is a major risk factor for poor outcome after kidney transplantation. Identifying patients at risk for non-adherence requires understanding the risk factors for non-adherence. This prospective study included a convenience sample of 249 adult kidney transplant patients >1 year post-transplant. Non-adherence was monitored electronically using MEMS(R). Selected socio-economic, therapy-, patient-, condition- and healthcare team-related risk factors for non-adherence were assessed. Period prevalences were expressed as the percent of prescribed doses taken (taking adherence), the percent of correctly dosed days (dosing adherence), the percentage of inter-dose intervals not exceeding 25% of the prescribed interval (timing adherence), and the number of drug holidays per 100 days (no intake for > 48 h if once daily or for > 24 h if twice daily intake). Testing occurred by simple mixed logistic regression analysis. Factors significant after correction for multiple testing were entered into a multiple logistic regression model. Mean taking, dosing, timing adherence, and drug holidays were 98%, 96%, 93%, and 1.1 days, respectively. Non-adherence was associated with lower self-efficacy, higher self-reported non-adherence, no pillbox usage, and male gender. Adherence declined between Monday and Sunday. This study provides a framework for identifying patients at risk for non-adherence and for developing adherence-enhancing interventions.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Drug Monitoring
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Treatment Refusal / statistics & numerical data*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents