Nearly half of people living with chronic conditions in Finland experience medication-related burden, new research has demonstrated.
Academics from the University of Eastern Finland and Fimea have found that 44% of people with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, rheumatic disease or some other musculoskeletal disorder think taking their medication is a burden.
Senior author Heidi Mikkola said: “Other factors linked with medication-related burden were poor health status, limits on functional capacity and low income.”
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Medication-related burden is the negative experience of managing a medication regimen, impacting a person’s physical, psychological, social and financial wellbeing.
It can stem from factors like the complexity of the treatment plan, cost, side effects and interference with daily life, and can negatively affect medication adherence and health-related quality of life.
A total of 1,323 adults from Finland filled in a survey which collected the views and experiences of people taking medications. Each respondent had at least one diagnosed chronic condition and used prescription medications.
The findings have shown that medication-related burden can lead to higher health care costs, reduce adherence to treatment and lower quality of life.
Heidi Mikkola said: “Identifying the illnesses and patient groups that involve the greatest risk of medication-related burden will allow health care to allocate support and resources more efficiently.”
According to the results, medication-related burden is common among people with chronic conditions, so healthcare professionals should consider this when creating treatment plans.
To read the study, click here.
