Adherence to Aromatase Inhibitors Among Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients In Middle Euphrates Region of Iraq

Authors

  • Ahmed Mjali Department of Hematology /Oncology, Al- Hussein Medical City, Karbala, Iraq.

Keywords:

Key words: Aromatase inhibitors, Adherence, Breast cancer, Iraq.

Abstract

Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) , are now widely used hormonal therapy in postmenopausal breast cancer patients with hormone receptors positive  because of their clinical effectiveness in both adjuvant and metastatic setting. Aims: To determine the adherence of patients to (AIs) therapy and factors associated with non-adherence among breast cancer patients in Middle Euphrates region of Iraq.

Methods: This study was conducted in Al-Hussein cancer center in Karbala province of Iraq, between January 2020 and December 2020. There were 101 breast cancer patients treated with (AIs), their adherence was assessed  by using the validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (8-MMAS).

Results: Majority of patients had a high adherence in (62.38%) while 37.62% of our patients were suboptimal adherence. Forgetfulness was the main cause of poor adherence in 71% of patients and  bone and joint pain was the most frequent side effect among our patients. There was no association between age , educational level ,  marital status ,income , parity , prior treatment and adherence  P vale <0.05 for each.

Conclusion: These data suggest that more than one third of our patients have suboptimal adherence to AIs. Factors associated with poor adherence were unintentional (forgetfulness), but also included intentional factors, such as drug inconvenience and avoidance of adverse effects. Pay attention to the factors found in this study may help to improve treatment outcomes among breast cancer patients in our country.

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Published

2021-06-29

How to Cite

Mjali, A. (2021). Adherence to Aromatase Inhibitors Among Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients In Middle Euphrates Region of Iraq. Karbala Journal of Medicine, 14(1), 2419–2426. Retrieved from https://journals.uokerbala.edu.iq/index.php/kj/article/view/847