The Effect of Hypertension, Diabetes, and Hyperlipidemia on Medication Intake and Adherence: Analysis from Korean Health Panel Survey 2014–2017

BACKGROUND: Hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are common chronic diseases in South Korea, and medication is a key factor in managing these diseases and preventing disease advancement to multimorbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic disease on medication intake and adherence among Koreans. METHODS: This study was conducted utilizing data collected from 5,529 individuals that participated in the Korea Health Panel Survey (KHPS) in 2014–2017. The dependent variables were medication intake and adherence, and independent variables included socioeconomic status and the type of chronic disease. The differences in the medication intake and medication adherence by sociodemographic variables and the type of chronic disease were analyzed by chi-square test. The effect of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia on medication intake and adherence was analyzed via multiple logistic regression using SAS statistical software. RESULTS: The rate of medication intake and adherence were significantly different among patients with hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, especially lower in patients with hyperlipidemia compared to those with hypertension and diabetes. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the probability of medication intake increased in female gender, older age, medical aid, medication adherence was higher in married, lower educational level and lower household income. Compared to hyperlipidemia, patients with hypertension and diabetes had more likely to take medication as prescribed. CONCLUSION: The importance of considering the type of chronic disease in developing and implementing public health programs aiming for improved medication adherence. Targeting better medication intake and adherence for each chronic disease could be a valuable policy strategy to effectively manage chronic diseases as well as prevent their complications.