Factors Related to Patients' Adherence to Medication and Lifestyle Change Recommendations: Data from Canada

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to patients' adherence to prescribed medications and recommended lifestyle changes. Two hundred and ninety-eight adults from a northern Canadian community filled out a questionnaire. Several intriguing findings emerged: (a) Adherence to lifestyle changes and participants' age presented a U-shape relationship; (b) Those who perceived themselves to be in poor health were less likely than those in good health to adhere to lifestyle changes; (c) Barriers such as the severe winter weather, lack of transportation, and cost of medications contributed negatively to adherence; and (d) If doctors provided sufficient information on the benefits and use of the prescribed medications and the proposed lifestyle changes and if patients reported trusting their doctors, they tended to adhere more. Physicians can play an important role in promoting adherence among patients. Community health workers should make efforts in reducing barriers that interfere with patient adherence.