Perspective and Experience of Patients with Aplastic Anemia on Medication Adherence

BACKGROUND: Drug treatment is critical for patients with aplastic anemia, and medication adherence directly impacts the therapeutic effect. Poor medication adherence is common among patients with chronic diseases. However, knowledge of the perceptions and experiences of patients with aplastic anemia regarding taking prescribed medicines is limited. OBJECTIVE: To gain insights into the perceptions and experiences of patients with aplastic anemia regarding taking prescribed medicines. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative design was used. Fifteen patients with aplastic anemia were recruited from the hematology department. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method and conceptualized using the Health Belief Model. RESULTS: Five themes emerged: the perceived threat of aplastic anemia, perceived benefits and barriers of taking prescribed medicines, cues to action, self-efficacy, and modifying factors. While patients’ knowledge was limited, they acknowledged the threat of aplastic anemia and the necessity of drug treatments, but they also encountered some barriers in practice. The desire for health and healthcare providers’ opinions were the main clues to medication adherence. The expectation of the future and the sense of self-competency made participants adopt good behavior. DISCUSSIONS: This study provided new perspectives on the medication adherence of patients with aplastic anemia, which may be valuable in clinical work and research. Further interventions should be developed for intentional and unintentional non-compliance. Future research can start with developing professional assessment tools addressing the influence of cognition and emotion on compliance.