Factors affecting cost-related medication non-adherence among US population with cardiovascular risk factors.

INTRODUCTION

In the US, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death and disability. Cost-related medication non-adherence (CRMN) can have serious consequences and worsen CVD outcomes. We examined the relationship between CVD risk factors and CRMN among US adults.

METHODS

CDC's 2019-2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data were used to examine CRMN among adults, categorized into three groups based on reported risk factors. We used chi-square tests, and logistic regression to determine factors associated with CRMN.

RESULTS

Among 49,464 participants, young, unmarried individuals, females, less educated, and participants from the South had higher CRMN than older, married individuals, males, and those with higher education residing in the other regions. Current smokers and those with more CVD risk factors also reported higher CRMN than former and never-smokers. Conversely, those aged 65 or older, with high-income, and excellent self-rated health had lower CRMN than younger participants, low-income families, and those with poor self-rated health. Public insurance and Medicaid participants had lower CRMN than uninsured (OR 0.13, 95% CI, 0.04-0.45, and OR 0.24, 95% CI, 0.15-0.36). Stratified analysis by diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, revealed participants with high-income had lower odds of CRMN (OR 0.38, 95% CI, 0.28-0.50; OR 0.39, 95% CI, 0.28-0.58; OR 0.37, 95% CI, 0.27-0.51 respectively) than those with lower- incomes.

CONCLUSION

Adults under 65 with more CVD risk factors and lacking insurance coverage are at higher risk of CRMN. Therefore, strengthening prescription drug coverage and targeted interventions are necessary to reduce CRMN among those with cardiovascular risk factors.