Original Research
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
08:30 AM–10:00 AM
Abstract
Introduction: Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) is a validated tool that has been correlated with medication adherence. Social determinants of health, including education, income, and race/ethnicity, can significantly impact adherence, yet their influence on patients’ beliefs about heart failure (HF) medications is unclear.
Research Question or Hypothesis: In patients with HF, what are their beliefs about their medications, and what factors are associated with more or less favorable beliefs?
Study Design: Prospective, quantitative cross-sectional survey of community-dwelling adult patients with HF. Beliefs and self-reported adherence were assessed using the BMQ and Medication Adherence Report Scale-5 (MARS-5), respectively.
Methods: The survey was distributed to patients at specialized HF outpatient clinics in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, as well as on social media. Data were collected between January-May 2024. The primary outcome was BMQ necessity-concerns differential (BMQ-NCD). Linear regression was used to evaluate associations between patient characteristics and BMQ-NCD.
Results: Sixty patients initiated the survey and 35 completed it in full. Mean age was 64 years, 63% were female, 83% were White, 37% had a college/university degree, and 46% were retired. Thirty-seven percent self-reported having HF with reduced ejection fraction and 57% self-reported New York Heart Association class II symptoms. Self-reported medication use included: 83% beta-blocker, 63% RAAS inhibitor, 57% MRA, and 46% SGLT2 inhibitor. Mean BMQ-NCD was 7.8 (range -20 to 20). Mean BMQ subscale scores were: general-harm 8.8/25, general-overuse 8.1/15, specific-necessity 20.7/25, and specific-concerns 12.9/25. East Asian race was associated with a lower mean BMQ-NCD versus White patients, as well as post-graduate education versus high school. Patients who were retired (versus full-time employment) and longer HF duration were associated with a higher mean BMQ-NCD. Mean MARS-5 score was 22/25.
Conclusion: Respondents held generally favorable beliefs about their HF medications with high self-reported adherence. The mean positive BMQ-NCD indicated patients’ beliefs about the necessity of their HF medications exceeded their concerns.
Presenting Author
Arden Barry BSc, BSc(Pharm), PharmD, ACPRUniversity of British Columbia
Authors
Rosaleen Boswell PharmD, ACPR
Alberta Health Services
Tanya Dhanoa PharmD
Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services