Medication Adherence Is Associated with Having a Caregiver Among Cardiac Patients

Background

Medication non-adherence is a significant contributor to suboptimal control of blood pressure and lipids.

Purpose

This study determined if having a paid and/or family caregiver was associated with medication adherence in patients hospitalized for cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Consecutive patients admitted to the cardiovascular service at a university medical center who completed a standardized questionnaire about medication adherence and caregiving (paid/professional or family member/friend) were included in this analysis (N?=?1,432; 63 % white; 63%male).

Results

Among cardiac patients, 39 % reported being prescribed ≥7 different medications, and one in four reported being non-adherent to their medication(s). Participants who reported having/planning to have a paid caregiver were 40 % less likely to be non-adherent to their medications compared to their counterparts. The association remained significant after adjustment for demographic confounders and comorbid conditions (OR?=?0.49; 95 %CI?=?0.29–0.82).

Conclusion

Cardiac patients with a paid caregiver were half as likely to be non-adherent to medications as those without caregivers.