Adherence to Chemotherapy among Women with Breast Cancer Treated at Tikur Anbessa Specialized and Teaching Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Adherence is important for women with breast cancer because it is a primary determinant for effectiveness of treatment and optimum clinical benefit. Though Breast cancer is the leading cancer in Ethiopia,adherance to chemotherapy is not investigated in Ethiopian women. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess adherence to chemotherapy among women with breast cancer treated at Tikur Anbessa specialized and Teaching Hospital. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted among 164 breast cancer patients with chemotherapy. After eligible participants were identified, data were collected using face-to-face interviews, card reviews and telephone interviews. Adherence was calculated as the number of doses taken divided by number of recommended or expected doses. Pearson chi-square test was used to evaluate predictors of adherence. RESULTS: Among a total of 164 breast cancer patients, majority, 119, (72.6%) of them were urban residents. The mean age of study participants was 41.99 + 10.9 years. The majority 149, (90.9%) of patients were married. More than half 94, (57.3%) of the women were literate. In this study, 137 out of 164 (83.5%) women were adherent to their chemotherapy. Of the 27 non adherent participants. he reason for non-adherence to chemotherapy was unknown for 7, (25.9%) of women. Among different identified reasons for non-adherent, sever illness prevents patients to receive chemotherapy. Based on Pearson chi square test, distance from referral center and treatment regimen were significantly associated with non-adherence rate. CONCLUSION: The present study the results showed that the majority 137, (83.5%) of patients were in good adherence to their chemotherapy. The most identified factor of non-adherence was inability to come for their therapy as a result of severity of illness. Therefore, expansion of cancer diagnosis and treatment centers should be encouraged in order to maximize patient’s access and adherence to chemotherapy.