Abstract [eng] |
The author of the Master's thesis. Vitas Brazauskas Master thesis title. Prevalence of Medicine-related Challenges in Everyday Life Among Lithuanian Patients – a Community Pharmacy-based Survey Using the 15-STARS Questionnaire The aim. Objective: To investigate and describe difficulties in adherence to medication regimens among patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes using the STARS 15 questionnaire developed by researchers at the University of Basel. Methodology of investigation. The quantitative research method is an anonymous questionnaire survey. The Lithuanian version of the STARS-15 questionnaire is used to collect data. The method of selection of subjects is convenient targeted non-probability sampling. Study participants are patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or both of the previously mentioned diseases. The obtained data were processed by the SPSS 29.0.2.0 program, using descriptive statistics methods. Descriptive analysis was used to calculate percentages for categorical variables and means with standard deviations for numerical variables. The chi square criterion of statistical relationship between the characteristics was used to evaluate the qualitative characteristics. Results are considered statistically significant when p<0.05. Research results. In conclusion, women have better knowledge of their medications and their use than men, and better adherence to medication regimens. Statistically significant (p<0.05) questions included medication recognition, difficulty preparing to take the medication, purchasing medication before it runs out, and nonadherence to the medication regimen due to fear of drug habituation. People living in urban areas have better knowledge about their medications and their use than people living in rural areas, and better adherence to medication regimens. The survey showed that people living in rural areas missed doses of their medicine more often than people living in urban areas, and also that people living in rural areas stopped taking one of their medicines without telling their doctor more often than people living in urban areas. The research analysis showed trends and differences between people of different educational levels and their attitudes towards medication use and related habits. People with a higher level of education answered positively more often to questions about whether they recognize their medication and whether they understand the instructions for its use. This shows that these aspects are closely related to the level of education. The majority of the subjects, regardless of the level of education, do not tell the doctor if they stop taking the medication. This shows a possible lack of communication and trust between doctors and patients. Conclusions. After analyzing the obtained statistical data, it can be said that women and people living in urban areas have better knowledge about their medications and adhere better to the medication regimen than men and people living in rural areas. Men are less likely to recognize their medications, have more problems with medication preparation and regimen, and are more likely to not follow their doctor's orders. Also, people living in rural areas experience similar problems more often than urban residents. People with a higher level of education were more likely to respond positively to questions about medication use and have better adherence to the regimen than people with secondary and vocational education. Patients with type 2 diabetes or hypertension and other diseases are more likely to experience difficulties in taking medication. This shows that it is necessary to pay attention to patient education and cooperation with health professionals in order to improve medication habits and improve the treatment process of patients. |