Tracing the Years: the Time Horizon of Medication Adherence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15170/MM.2026.60.KSZ.01.04Keywords:
medication adherence, healthcare marketing, health behavior, patient behaviorAbstract
THE AIM OF THE PAPER
This study examines how the time passed since diagnosis shapes medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases. We hypothesised that financial difficulties related to medication and the inconvenience of taking medication influence therapeutic adherence. In addition to direct effects, we examined how these effects change over time. Our primary aim was to support better-timed patient communication through the findings.
METHODOLOGY
A cross-sectional online panel survey was conducted among 500 patients with chronic diseases. Non-adherence was measured using the MARS-5 scale, affordability with the AFF scale, and the inconvenience of taking medication with a 1 10 Likert scale. The hypotheses were tested using a two step hierarchical regression analysis: in M1, direct effects were investigated, while in M2, the moderating effect of time passed since diagnosis was tested.
MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS
Both models were significant; the explanatory power of M1 was 25.5%, while that of M2 was 29.5%. Financial constraints and the inconvenience of taking medication increase non adherence. As a moderator, time reduces the non adherence-enhancing effect of financial burden. However, time does not moderate the effect of medication-related inconvenience on non-adherent behavior.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Targeted support for financial adaptation should be provided in the early stage following diagnosis. First, reducing affordability barriers, such as subsidies and lower out-of-pocket costs, should be prioritized, as these consistently impair adherence, although their effect decreases over time. Second, “minimally burdensome” medication regimens should be preferred: simplified treatment plans, less frequent dosing, and fewer daily doses, since inconvenience steadily increases non adherence and this effect does not diminish over time. Third, in healthcare practice, it is advisable to develop time based patient strategies, such as initial “starter” support packages followed by maintenance programs, because time functions as a contextual moderator shaping the effects related to patients’ medication-taking behavior.
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