Factors affecting adherence to treatment in people with cardiovascular disease: A review study

The aim of this study was to review studies that investigate the factors affecting adherence to treatment in people with cardiovascular disease.

Adherence to treatment is a comprehensive term that is used to convey acceptance of treatment process and following professional advice by the patient to increase the quality of life. Given the importance of adhering to treatment plans and being aware that many people do not follow treatment plans, understanding the factors that lead to patients' effective adherence to the treatment regimen can lead to the development of strategies to increase patients' adherence to the therapeutic regimen.

Articles published between years 2010-2020 were searched out in databases Science Direct, PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, SID, Scopus, CINAHL, OVID, Iran Doc and Magiran using the keywords adherence to treatment, cardiovascular diseases and their Persian Equivalents. Research articles in Persian and English focusing on the factors affecting the adherence to treatment in cardiovascular patients were selected for the study. In total, 167 articles were found in primary search by reviewing the title and abstract and in some cases after studying the full text of the articles; out of them, 11 were selected that were in accordance with the research purpose of this study.

The most effective methods for improving adherence to treatment were tele-nursing and educating colleagues on how to follow up patients. Also, recognizing differences between personal and psychological aspects of patients and adopting an appropriate method for each person to pursue treatment and increase adherence to the treatment regimen are very important known factors in the care of cardiovascular patients.

In general, the care and training provided and continuous follow-up by the health care professionals have the greatest impact on increasing adherence to the treatment regimen among patients.