Effects of a medication adherence promotion program in breast cancer patients under adjuvant hormonal therapy

The objective of this study was to assess effects of a medication adherence promotion program for breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy. Methods: This study used a randomized control group repeated measures design. A total of 79 participants were recruited from an outpatient clinic in the Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju city. The program's effects on medication adherence, perceived stress, depression, and fatigue were assessed at three points: before, at the 9th week, and again at the 16th week of the program application. The data were collected from July 3 to November 9, 2017. Results: Statistically significant differences in changes in medication adherence, perceived stress, and depression over the assessment points between experimental and control groups were revealed. Scores on medication adherence in the experimental group improved at the 9th week mark and lowered a little at the 16th week, but remained higher than before the program application, however. Scores on perceived stress and depression in the experimental group improved at the 9th week and stayed almost at the same level at the 16th week. Conclusion: It is clear that consistent nursing interventions are needed to promote and maintain medication adherence and associated symptoms, particularly for breast cancer patients who require long-term hormonal therapy.