Adherence to drug treatments in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease is associated with the use of polypharmacy and is associated with increased risk of adverse events, drug interactions and decreased adherence to drug treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate treatment adherence in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical survey of all patients enrolled and followed in the Nephrology services of the Ijuí Charity Hospital and the Kidney Clinic, attached to the Santo Ângelo Hospital, from January to June 2017. Data collection was performed through an individual interview, using a structured and validated questionnaire. Depression was assessed by applying the Beck Depression Inventory and adherence was by the Morisky Adhesion Scale. 184 patients were interviewed, and among those interviewed, 66.2% had low adherence. Infarction, repetitive infections and depression were factors statistically significantly associated with poor adherence, as well as the use of more than six medications. Performing physical activities was associated with a greater adherence to medication use. 45.7% of patients responded that they had at some point forgotten to take their medication, and 42.4% stopped taking their medication when they felt their symptoms were under control. Therefore, health education actions, as well as pharmacotherapeutic follow-up of these patients, should be performed with a focus on improving adherence and quality of life, with a view to increasing survival.