NCDs arise from complex interactions of modifiable factors such as unhealthy lifestyles, poor diet, and psychosocial challenges, along with non-modifiable factors like age and genetics. Notably, medication non-adherence is a widespread and growing concern, significantly contributing to disease progression and poor outcomes globally.

This scoping review aims to synthesize evidence on medication adherence scales used for selected non communicable diseases. It examines their development methods, psychometric properties, and assessed domains, while identifying gaps or limitations in their design and application.

The Joanna Briggs Institute methodological framework guided this scoping review and the protocol was registered prospectively to ensure methodological transparency and rigor. Electronic databases, the reference list of included articles, and grey literature were searched. Studies published in English from January 1950 to June 2024 were included. Two reviewers independently screened all articles, and a third reviewer settled any conflicts between the reviewers. Critical appraisal of the screened-in articles was done using JBI critical appraisal scales. The data was compiled into tables and a narrative summary that is consistent with the review's goal.

Our study included 140 articles, identifying 57 medication adherence scales. These scales, developed using qualitative methods (10.8%), literature review (32.4%), and mixed methods (45.9%), primarily focus on behavior, often neglecting cost-related non-adherence, self-efficacy, and systemic barriers. Psychometric findings varied widely, reflecting heterogeneity in study designs and scale development approaches. Many scales lack validation in diverse settings, underscoring the need for comprehensive, context-sensitive tools.

This scoping review highlights gaps in existing medication adherence scales for NCDs, particularly their limited consideration of socioeconomic and cultural factors and incomplete adherence assessment. Future research should focus on developing more holistic, contextually relevant adherence scales that integrate these dimensions. Strengthening adherence measurement methodologies can enhance patient-centered care, inform policy interventions, and improve health outcomes.

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are susceptible to mental health issues, impacting medication adherence and diabetes control. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with depression and anxiety among T2DM patients in Indonesia and Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Indonesia and Malaysia from October 2022 to April 2023 among T2DM patients. The study utilised an instrument with patient and disease data and three validated tools to assess depression, anxiety, and medication adherence. Statistical analysis, including binary logistic regression, was performed using SPSS® version 28 software. A study of 606 T2DM patients revealed that 56.5% were at risk of depression, while 41.6% were at risk of anxiety. Older patients with T2DM had lower rates of depression (AOR = 0.41, 0.25-0.68) and anxiety than younger patients. Normal-weight patients were less likely to experience depression and anxiety (AOR = 0.44, 0.27-0.72) than overweight patients. Patients without diabetic foot ulcers had a lower risk of depression (AOR = 0.34, 0.21-0.55) and anxiety than those with foot ulcers. Patients with a shorter duration of diabetes had a higher risk of depression (AOR = 3.27, 1.70-6.30) and anxiety than those with a longer duration. Patients on insulin-based regimens had higher rates of depression and anxiety (AOR = 2.28, 1.20-4.30) than those on metformin-based regimens. Nonadherent patients were more likely to experience depression and anxiety (AOR = 4.30, 2.22-8.32) than patients who adhered to their medication. The prevalence of depression and anxiety is concerning and influenced by factors such as age, diabetes duration, the presence of diabetic foot ulcers, and the prescribed medication regimen. Further efforts are necessary to enhance the mental health of T2DM patients and improve management outcomes.

Internalized stigma and medication non-adherence pose significant challenges for treating major depressive disorder (MDD), leading to disability, increased suicide risk, and morbidity. Limited data exists on modifiable factors associated with adherence in lower-resourced settings like Malaysia. This study aimed to investigate poor adherence prevalence and the demographic and clinical factors associated with poor medication adherence among patients with MDD.

This cross-sectional survey recruited participants using universal sampling from a major hospital in Selangor, Malaysia. Participants answered questionnaires consisting of demographic and clinical information (medical history, duration of anti-depressant treatment for MDD, psychiatric ward admission history, and any medication side effects experienced), the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (comprising alienation, stereotype, perceived discrimination, and social withdrawal), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (comprising family, friend, and significant other support), and the Malaysia Medication Adherence Assessment Tool. Simple and multiple logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted.

Of the 268 participants (69% female), 57.1% were suboptimally or moderately adherent to their medication. Buddhists (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.280, 95% CI [0.115, 0.679], p = 0.005), higher family support (aOR = 0.753, 95% CI [0.591, 0.960], p = 0.022), a history of ward admissions (aOR = 3.523, 95% CI [1.537, 8.072], p = 0.003), and higher internalized stigma (aOR = 2.828, 95% CI [1.497, 5.344], p = 0.001) were significantly associated with low/moderate medication adherence. The effect of internalized stigma subdomains (alienation, perceived discrimination, and social withdrawal) on medication adherence were partially mediated by family support.

More than half of the participants demonstrated low to moderate medication adherence. Those with higher internalized stigma demonstrated higher odds of low/moderate medication adherence, but this effect was attenuated by family support. Therefore, internalized stigma and family support are important points of consideration when assessing patients with MDD in Malaysia.

The bilingual Malaysia Medication Adherence Assessment Tool (MyMAAT) was developed using the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and the current study intended to confirm the measurement model, dimensionality and ensure the factor structure by the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The objective of this study was to validate the Malay version of the MyMAAT in measuring medication adherence among participants with chronic medications.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-report questionnaire at five health clinics and a hospital in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya region between May to November 2023. The participants were selected using quota sampling and written informed consent was obtained from each participant prior to data collection. There are two constructs in the MyMAAT, namely the Specific Medication-Taking Behaviour (Factor 1) and the Social-Cognitive Theory of Self-Efficacy and Social Support (Factor 2).

Two hundred and thirty-five patients participated in the CFA study. The final model for the Malay version of the MyMAAT retained the two constructs and 12 items with good fit: CFI = 0.978, TLI = 0.973, RMSEA = 0.036 (90% CI 0.001,0.067) and with good composite reliability CR 0.790 for Factor 1 and 0.787 for Factor 2. The factor loadings ranged from 0.413 to 0.832 with p-value < 0.001. The AVE for Factor 1 was 0.664 and for Factor 2 was 0.491. There was a strong correlation (ρ = 0.507, p < 0.001) between the Malay version of the MyMAAT and the Malay version of the MMAS-8 by adherence category from the data of 191 participants. Twenty-six participants completed the test-retest after five to ten days from the first administration. The Malay version of the MyMAAT showed moderate to excellent with ICC 0.932 (95% CI: 0.661,0.986) for Factor 1 and poor to excellent for with ICC 0.956 (95% CI:0.325,0.997) for Factor 2 by using the Two-Way Mixed Model and Consistency type.

It is concluded that the Malay version of the MyMAAT is valid and reliable in measuring medication adherence among patients with chronic medications.

Despite significant advancements in the development of psychotropic medications, increasing adherence rates remain a challenge in the treatment and management of psychiatric disorders. The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore the challenges underlying medication adherence and strategies to improve it among adolescents with psychiatric disorders in Malaysia. This qualitative research design presents results from 17 semi-structured interviews with adolescent psychiatric patients, aged 11 to 19 years old, from public hospitals across Peninsular Malaysia. The data collected from interviews were transcribed and processed through thematic analysis using the NVivo 11 software. A total of three main themes concerning medication adherence were identified: (1) challenges; (2) coping strategies and (3) protective factors. In this study, thirteen subthemes emerge as challenges underlying medication adherence experienced by adolescent psychiatric patients. The coping strategies identified in this study fall under three broad subthemes which are problem-focused strategies, emotion-focused strategies and maladaptive strategies. This study also highlights social support and positive medicinal effects as protective factors for non-adherence issues in adolescent psychiatric patients. In conclusion, this study supports the notion that adherence is a multi-factorial phenomenon. This study can inform future development of interventions and targeted health promotion programmes in enhancing adherence.

The burden of cardiovascular disease and early morbidity and mortality is exacerbated by hypertension. According to the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey, 30% of adults in Malaysia aged over 18 years had hypertension. Our study aimed to investigate the association between medication adherence and blood pressure control and the factors associated with antihypertensive medication adherence.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients with hypertension who had been under treatment at public primary health clinics in the Melaka Tengah District. A self-administered questionnaire was used, and blood pressure was measured. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 28).

A total of 1531 patients were recruited in this study. Among them, 74.1% had good antihypertensive medication adherence, and 51.4% had their blood pressure controlled. Medication adherence was significantly associated with blood pressure control (P<0.005). The multivariate analysis showed that the determinants for antihypertensive medication non-adherence were Malay ethnicity, secondary education, farther distance from the clinic, experience of side effects of antihypertensive medications, concern about long-term side effects and usage of alternative medicine (P<0.05). Taking multiple antihypertensive medications was the only factor associated with uncontrolled blood pressure (P<0.05).

Addressing issues on medication adherence is important to ensure blood pressure control. The factors associated with non-adherence should be closely monitored to improve blood pressure control and prevent adverse health outcomes. Single-pill combination antihypertensive medications are encouraged to reduce pill burden and improve blood pressure control.

Adherence to chemotherapy regimens is crucial for achieving optimal treatment outcomes in cancer patients. However, measuring adherence remains a significant challenge. This study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive self-report tool for assessing chemotherapy adherence.

The Chemotherapy Adherence Assessment Scale (CAAS) was developed through a multi-stage process involving literature review, expert input, and pilot testing. Face validation was conducted with 23 subject experts, and content validity was assessed using the Content Validity Index (CVI). The CAAS was pilot-tested on 28 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Psychometric properties were evaluated through internal consistency analysis (Cronbach's alpha) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA).

Face validation revealed 85% agreement among experts regarding grammar, clarity, and content. The CVI was 0.81 for individual items and 0.83 for the overall scale, indicating good content validity. Cronbach's alpha was 0.789, demonstrating strong internal consistency. The EFA yielded a robust five-factor structure, explaining 94.63% of the total variance. Most items exhibited strong factor loadings (>0.7) and high communalities (>0.7), supporting the construct validity of the CAAS.

The CAAS demonstrated robust psychometric properties, including good content validity, high internal consistency, and a well-defined factor structure capturing key dimensions of chemotherapy adherence. The CAAS represents a valuable contribution to adherence assessment in oncology settings, with potential applications in clinical practice and adherence interventions.

The prevalence of medication nonadherence among Malaysian older adults is approximately 60%. However, there is a lack of studies assessing the factors associated with medication nonadherence among this population. This research aims to explore the association between medication regimen complexity (MRC), treatment satisfaction and medication adherence among Malaysian older adults.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatient clinics of a teaching hospital in Pahang, Malaysia, between April 2023 and September 2023. MRC Index (MRCI), Treatment Satisfaction for Medication version II (TSQM v.II), and the Malaysian Medication Adherence Assessment Tool (MyMAAT) were used. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were performed to test the factors affecting treatment satisfaction and medication adherence. Mediator analysis was implemented to assess the mediating role of treatment satisfaction.

The study involved 429 Malaysian older adult patients, with a prevalence of nonadherence of 51.0% (n = 219) and an MRCI mean score of 17.37 (SD = 7.07). The mean overall treatment satisfaction score was 73.91 (SD = 15.23). Multivariate logistic regression analysis expressed four significant predictors associated with nonadherence: MRC (AOR = 1.179, p = 0.002), overall treatment satisfaction (AOR = 0.847, p < 0.001), partially self-managed medication (AOR = 2.675, p = 0.011) and fully managed medication by family members/caregivers (AOR = 8.436, p = 0.004). Multivariate linear regression shows three predictors of treatment satisfaction: MRC (β = -1.395, p < 0.001), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (β = -0.746, p = 0.009) and self-managed medication (β = 5.554, p = 0.006). Mediator analysis indicated that treatment satisfaction partially mediated the association between MRC and nonadherence.

Nonadherence was quite prevalent among Malaysian older outpatients and was associated with regimen complexity, treatment satisfaction and patient dependence on others to manage their medications. Future studies should focus on interventions to control the factors that negatively affect patients' medication adherence.

This study presents a protocol for the Pharmacy Integrated Community Care (PICC) program, meticulously designed to enhance Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and augment knowledge about diabetes mellitus (DM) among individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the Sarawak State of Malaysia.

From 1 May to December 31, 2023, a prospective, multicenter, parallel-design randomised controlled trial will be conducted with two groups, each consisting of 47 participants. The intervention group will receive a structured, four-session group-based program guided by experienced pharmacists, focusing on medication adherence and diabetes management. The control group will follow the standard Diabetes Mellitus Adherence Clinic program. The primary outcomes of this study encompass enhancements in knowledge regarding diabetes medication management and adherence, followed by subsequent changes in HbA1c levels.

The successful implementation of the PICC program holds promise for enhancing health outcomes in the T2DM population, potentially leading to more effective diabetes management initiatives and better health practices in the community.

NCT05106231.

Statins are effective for preventing cardiovascular disease. However, many patients decide not to take statins because of negative influences, such as online misinformation. Online health information may affect decisions on medication adherence, but measuring it is challenging. This study aimed to examine the associations between online health information behaviour and statin adherence in patients with high cardiovascular risk.

A prospective cohort study involving 233 patients with high cardiovascular risk was conducted at a primary care clinic in Malaysia. Participants used a digital information diary tool to record online health information they encountered for 2 months and completed a questionnaire about statin necessity, concerns and adherence at the end of the observation period. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling.

The results showed that 55.8% (130 of 233 patients) encountered online health information. Patients who actively sought online health information (91 of 233 patients) had higher concerns about statin use (β = 0.323, p = 0.023). Participants with higher concern about statin use were also more likely to be non-adherent (β = -0.337, p < 0.001). Patients who actively sought online health information were more likely to have lower statin adherence, mediated by higher concerns about statin use (indirect effect, β = -0.109, p = 0.048).

Our results suggest that patients with higher levels of concern about statins may be actively seeking online information about statins, and their concerns might influence how they search, what they find, and the potential to encounter misinformation. Our study highlights the importance of addressing patients' concerns about medications to improve adherence.

A prospective study was conducted to investigate the impact of treatment burden and health literacy on medication adherence among older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) and to explore the potential moderating effects of demographic and clinical factors. Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted among older adults aged 60 and above using the Burden of Treatment Questionnaire (TBQ-15), Short Form Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLS-SF12), and Malaysia Medication Adherence Assessment Tool (MyMAAT). This study included 346 older adults aged 60 years and above with two or more chronic conditions (n = 346). Hypertension (30.2%), hyperlipidemia (24.0%), and diabetes (18.0%) were the most reported chronic conditions among participants. The mean score of treatment burden was 53.4 (SD = 28.2), indicating an acceptable burden of treatment. The mean score of health literacy was 16.4 (SD = 12.6), indicating a limited health literacy level among participants; meanwhile, the mean score of medication adherence was 32.6 (SD = 12.3), indicating medication non-adherence among participants. Medication adherence was significantly correlated with treatment burden (r = -0.22, p < 0.0001), health literacy (r = 0.36, p < 0.0001), number of chronic conditions (r = -0.23, p < 0.0001), and age (r = -0.11, p < 0.05). The study findings emphasize that multimorbid older adults with high treatment burdens and low health literacy are more likely to have poor medication adherence. This underscores the importance for clinicians to address these factors in order to improve medication adherence among older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC).

Medication non-adherence is an important public health issue, associated with poor clinical and economic outcomes. Globally, self-reported instruments are the most widely used method to assess medication adherence. However, the majority of these were developed in high-income countries (HICs) with a well-established health care system. Their applicability in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains unclear. The objective of this study is to systematically review the applicability of content and use of self-reported adherence instruments in LMICs.

A scoping review informed by a literature search in Pubmed, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases was conducted to identify studies assessing medication adherence using self-reported instruments for patients with five common chronic diseases [hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, asthma, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)] in LMICs up to January 2022 with no constraints on publication year. Two reviewers performed the study selection process, data extraction and outcomes assessment independently. Outcomes focused on LMIC applicability of the self-reported adherence instruments assessed by (i) containing LMIC relevant adherence content; (ii) methodological quality and (iii) fees for use.

We identified 181 studies that used self-reported instruments for assessing medication adherence in LMICs. A total of 32 distinct types of self-reported instruments to assess medication adherence were identified. Of these, 14 self-reported instruments were developed in LMICs, while the remaining ones were adapted from self-reported instruments originally developed in HICs. All self-reported adherence instruments in studies included presented diverse potential challenges regarding their applicability in LMICs, included an underrepresentation of LMIC relevant non-adherence reasons, such as financial issues, use of traditional medicines, religious beliefs, lack of communication with healthcare provider, running out of medicine, and access to care. Almost half of included studies showed that the existing self-reported adherence instruments lack sufficient evidence regarding cross cultural validation and internal consistency. In 70% of the studies, fees applied for using the self-reported instruments in LMICs.

There seems insufficient emphasis on applicability and methodological rigor of self-reported medication adherence instruments used in LMICs. This presents an opportunity for developing a self-reported adherence instrument that is suitable to health systems and resources in LMICs.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022302215.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the world's leading cause of death. About half of Malaysian adults have at least 2 risk factors; thus, rigorous primary preventions are crucial to prevent the first cardiovascular (CV) event. This study aimed to determine the achievement of treatment targets and factors associated with it among high CV risk individuals.

This cross-sectional study included 390 participants from a primary care clinic in Selangor, Malaysia, between February and June 2022. The inclusion criteria were high-CV risk individuals, that is, Framingham risk score >20%, diabetes without target organ damage, stage 3 kidney disease, and very high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >4.9 mmol/L or blood pressure (BP) >180/110 mmHg. Individuals with existing CVD were excluded. The treatment targets were BP <140/90 mmHg (≤135/75 for diabetics), LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L, and HbA1c ≤6.5%. Multiple logistic regressions determined the association between sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, health literacy, and medication adherence with the achievements of each target.

About 7.2% achieved all treatment targets. Of these, 35.1% reached systolic and diastolic (46.7%) BP targets. About 60.2% and 28.2% achieved optimal LDL-C and HbA1c, respectively. Working participants had lower odds of having optimal systolic (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13-0.90) and diastolic (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.17-0.96) BP. Those who adhered to treatments were more likely to achieve LDL-C and HbA1c targets; (aOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.10-2.69) and (aOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.25-4.83), respectively.

The control of risk factors among high CV risk patients in this study was suboptimal. Urgent measures such as improving medication adherence are warranted.

To categorise patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) into their propensity to detect intentional and/or unintentional non-adherence to medication, and synthesise their psychometric properties.

Systematic review and regression analysis.

Medication adherence levels studied at primary, secondary and tertiary care settings. Self-reported measures with scoring methods were included. Studies without proxy measures were excluded.

Using detailed searches with key concepts including questionnaires, reliability and validity, and restricted to English, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Cochrane Library were searched until 01 March 2022. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 (PRISMA-2020) checklist was used.

Risk of bias was assessed via COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN-2018) guidelines. Narrative synthesis aided by graphical figures and statistical analyses.

Process domains [behaviour (e.g., self-efficacy), barrier (e.g., impaired dexterity) or belief (e.g., perception)], and overall outcome domains of either intentional (I), unintentional (UI), or mixed non-adherence.

Paper summarises evidence from 59 studies of PROMs, validated among patients aged 18-88 years in America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, and Australasia. PROMs detected outcome domains: intentional non-adherence, n=44 (I=491 criterion items), mixed intentionality, n=13 (I=79/UI=50), and unintentional, n=2 (UI=5). Process domains detected include belief (383 criterion items), barrier (192) and behaviour (165). Criterion validity assessment used proxy measures (biomarkers, e-monitors), and scoring was ordinal, dichotomised, or used Visual Analogue Scale. Heterogeneity was revealed across psychometric properties (consistency, construct, reliability, discrimination ability). Intentionality correlated positively with negative beliefs (r(57)=0.88) and barriers (r(57)=0.59). For every belief or barrier criterion-item, PROMs' aptitude to detect intentional non-adherence increased by β=0.79 and β=0.34 units, respectively (R2=0.94). Primary care versus specialised care predicted intentional non-adherence (OR 1.9; CI 1.01 to 2.66).

Ten PROMs had adequate psychometric properties. Of the ten, eight PROMs were able to detect total, and two PROMs were able to detect partial intentionality to medication default. Fortification of patients' knowledge and illness perception, as opposed to daily reminders alone, is most imperative at primary care levels.

Seeking pharmacist advice about minor ailments is a common practice among Iraqi patients because such advice is free and quick. Unfortunately, the assessment and management of minor ailments by Iraqi pharmacists were inappropriate. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a model for a mobile application that can assist community pharmacists in the diagnosis and management of minor ailments.

The scientific content of the application was based on the information in the symptoms in the pharmacy and British National Formulary books. The design and content of the application were approved by two experts. Thereafter, the application was built for Android mobiles using flutter technology and dart language. A pre-post pilot study was conducted to assess outcomes associated with use of the application, including user acceptance and appropriateness of clinical recommendations. Fifteen students from the College of Pharmacy/University of Baghdad who had an Android mobile participated in this study. Two different scenarios about diarrhea were used during the pilot study, in which the researcher acted as a patient (SP) and the participant student as a pharmacist.

After using the application, the number of questions asked by the participated student to the SP was significantly increased to about double. Additionally, providing the SP with appropriate non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapy along with optimum counseling and education were also significantly improved. All study participants agreed on the application's ease of use and ability to reduce diagnosis and medication errors.

The implementation of the newly developed mobile application, diarrhea management step by step, was associated with improvements in assessment and recommended treatments for diarrhea cases with good acceptance by a pilot sample of pharmacy students at Baghdad University.

This is a scoping review of Malaysian scientific studies on medication adherence among persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

We conducted a bibliographic search of PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar using the following keywords: "medication adherence," "drug compliance," "DMTAC" and "Malaysia." The search covered all publications up to 31 December 2021. Eligible articles were original studies conducted in Malaysia that measured or quantified medication adherence among persons with T2DM.

We identified 64 eligible studies published between 2008 to 2021. Most studies included patients with T2DM in ambulatory facilities. Five studies were qualitative research. The quantitative research publications included clinical trials, and cross-sectional, validation, retrospective and prospective cohort studies. Thirty-eight studies used medication adherence scales. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8, used in 20 studies) and Malaysian Medication Adherence Scale (MALMAS, used in 6 studies) were the most commonly used tools. There were 6 validation studies with 4 medication adherence scales. A meta-analysis of 10 studies using MMAS-8 or MALMAS revealed that the pooled prevalence of low medication adherence is 34.2% (95% CI: 27.4 to 41.2, random effects model). Eighteen publications evaluated various aspects of the Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinics (DMTAC).

This scoping review documented extensive research on medication adherence among persons with diabetes in Malaysia. The quantitative meta-analysis showed a pooled low medication adherence rate.