Relationship between beliefs about medicines and adherence in elderly patients with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases: A cross-sectional study in Romania

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to explore elderly patients’ beliefs about medicines in general, and specific towards their treatment and the relationship between beliefs and adherence. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed by administering a questionnaire developed to meet the study’s objectives. Elderly patients were recruited from three different settings. Results 167 patients agreed to participate to our study, having a mean age of 73 years. Patients were aware of the necessity for treatment, but they also showed concern over the potential for the adverse outcomes. Only 15% of the patients were completely accepting their treatment having high necessity and low concerns, while 40% were ambivalent, having high necessity beliefs, but also high concerns, with 89% being adherent in this group. Overall, higher adherence was significantly correlated with higher necessity and with higher necessity-concern differential. Conclusion Patients beliefs have an impact on adherence, thus patients’ concerns and necessities should be addressed in order to improve adherence and treatment outcome. Practice implications Higher necessity positively influenced adherence to treatment, suggesting the fact that healthcare professionals could improve patients’ adherence by outlining and educating the patients on the necessity of the treatment, while also managing patients’ concerns.