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Treatment burden and medication adherence among older patients in comprehensive specialised hospitals in the Amhara Region in Ethiopia: a multicentre, cross-sectional study

S. B. Dagnew, T. Moges, G. Tarekegn, Samuel Agegnew Wondm, Abraham Nigussie Assefa, Mulugeta Ashagie Bekahegn, Woretaw Sisay Zewdu

BMJ Open, 2025

422 participants · 8 citations

Abstract

Objectives Due to numerous comorbidities, complicated medical regimens and age-related difficulties, older adults frequently confront substantial treatment burdens and poor medication adherence, which could result in poor health outcomes. This study assessed the treatment burden and medication adherence among older adults in comprehensive specialised hospitals in the Amhara Region in Ethiopia. Design A multicentre hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 30 March to 30 July 2024. Setting The study was conducted at four comprehensive specialised hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. Participants Patients were ≥65 years old, diagnosed with two chronic illnesses and were receiving medical attention for the relevant issue. Outcome measures This study employed the Multimorbidity Treatment Burden Questionnaire to assess treatment burden and the General Medication Adherence Scale to assess medication adherence. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 17. Linear and binary logistic regressions were used to analyse the dependent variables of treatment burden and medication adherence to the determining factors, respectively. Results 422 patients took part in this study. Regarding treatment burden, 75% report a high burden. Of the patients, 32.20% adhered well, whereas 67.80% did not. The medication regimen complexity index (MRCI; β=0.029, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.058; p=0.047), age (β=0.027, 95% CI 0.009 to 0.044; p=0.004) and number of medications (β=0.168, 95% CI 0.045 to…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 422 participants or records.

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