Medication adherence in leukemia children receiving home-based treatment and its related factors

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate home-based medication adherence in children with acute leukemia and its related factors. Methods: We examined 132 children with acute leukemia in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Chongqing. A general questionnaire, the MMAS-8 (the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale), SEAMS (Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale), and a multifactorial logistic regression model were used to analyze the factors related to drug adherence of the children. Results: 54.55% of patients showed good medication adherence, while 50.76% either forgot a dose or administered an incorrect dose. The average score on the Self-Efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale (SEAMS) was 32.47.61. The logistic regression analysis revealed that a SEAMS score, the occupation of caregivers, and the patient’s age were predictors of medication adherence among pediatric leukemia patients (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The home-based medication adherence in children with acute leukemia was not favorable. Patients with low SEAMS scores, farmers serving as caregivers, and children under the age of three should arouse more attention. It is expected to strengthen the confidence of patient families in medication by emphasizing the development of their relationships with healthcare professionals. Awareness of breakthroughs in leukemia home-based medication management systems by utilizing Internet technology.