Non-adherence to Imatinib despite availability: Analysis from a resource
limited setting
Abstract
Purpose: The effective treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
remains a challenge due to non-adherence to Imatinib. We aimed to assess
the factors associated with non-adherence to Imatinib therapy in newly
diagnosed patients with CML. Methods: Eighty-two adult patients
initiating Imatinib were recruited. Adherence was measured using
medication possession ratio (MPR) and visual analogue scale (VAS) at 90
days. Demographic, clinical and quality-of-life variables were assessed
at baseline. Pearson’s correlation and linear regression analyses were
performed to identify associations and independent predictors of
non-adherence respectively. Results: Twenty-two percent (18/82) of
patients were non-adherent (MPR ≤ 85). Self-reported adherence via VAS
correlated significantly with MPR. Among various factors, cognitive
function score and occurrence of adverse drug event (ADR) were
associated with adherence. The impact of disease on daily-life score was
negatively associated with adherence. The independent predictors of
adherence were role function score and impact of disease on mood score.
Conclusions: This study identified cognitive and role function, impact
of disease on daily life and mood and occurrence of ADR as variables
influencing non-adherence to Imatinib in CML patients. Early
identification of these factors can guide interventions to improve
adherence and treatment outcomes.