Exploring Patient Beliefs and Medication Adherence in the Mediterranean Context: A Cross-Sectional Study in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases and Cardiometabolic Disorders in Greece-The IACT-Study

Background: Evidence has shown that poor adherence to vascular medications contributes to a considerable proportion of all cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality. The aim of the present work was to examine patients' beliefs/views that affect their level of adherence to the assigned medical treatment in the context of a multi-center study in Greece. Methods: Between July 2022 and April 2023, 1988 patients (1180 females) with established cardiovascular disease or relevant cardiometabolic disorders were chosen from seven medical centers in Greece. The 4-item Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire gauged medication adherence and investigated patients' beliefs/views regarding treatment. Results: Among participants, 51.2% showed perfect medication adherence, contrasting with 48.8% displaying poor adherence. Patients with negative medication beliefs were around three times more likely to be non-adherent (OR = 2.73; 95% CI = 2.28-3.28). Non-adherers held concerns about drug efficacy (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.10-4.97) and favored alternative therapies (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.75-2.91). Conclusion: The findings highlight the significance of addressing patient beliefs/views to improve medication adherence. The distinct Mediterranean context, influenced by cultural, socioeconomic, and clinical factors, emphasizes the need for tailored interventions. This underscores the call for contextually sensitive strategies to boost medication adherence and improve health outcomes in this unique region.