Medication reminder use and medication adherence among patients with chronic conditions in a Malaysian teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND

Healthcare providers commonly recommend medication reminders as a strategy to enhance adherence to prescribed medications. Patient demographic characteristics may influence medication adherence and incorporating patient-centred approaches using reminders has the potential to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to (1) identify the types of medication reminders used by patients in their healthcare routines and (2) examine the association between medication reminder use and medication adherence.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients aged 18 years and older who were prescribed chronic medications at a teaching hospital in Selangor, Malaysia. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and the Malaysian Medication Adherence Assessment Tool (MyMAAT). Patients were recruited while waiting for medication refills or collection at the outpatient pharmacy department.

RESULTS

Of the 400 patients surveyed, only 28.5% (n = 114) reported using medication reminders, including alarms, mobile applications, written notes, or other methods. Medication reminder use was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.046) and highest education level (p = 0.006). Medication adherence was significantly associated with age, gender, education level, marital status, employment type, and medical history. However, no significant association was observed between medication reminder use and adherence, and the number of prescribed medications did not influence adherence levels.

CONCLUSION

Fewer than one-third of patients reported using medication reminders, and no significant association was found between reminder use and medication adherence. Further research involving larger, multi-centered populations is needed to understand better the role of medication reminders in promoting adherence among patients with chronic conditions.