Citation

Tuchayi SM, Alexander TM, Nadkarni A, Feldman SR. Patient Prefer. Adherence 2016; 10: 2091-2096.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Dove Press)

DOI

10.2147/PPA.S117437

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adherence to acne medication is poor and is a major reason why treatment plans are ineffective. Recognizing solutions to nonadherence is critical.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the hurdles associated with acne nonadherence and to provide mechanisms on how to ameliorate them.

METHODS: PubMed database was searched. Of the 419 search results, 29 articles were reviewed to identify hurdles to adherence and corresponding solutions.

RESULTS: Hurdles to primary nonadherence where the medication is not even started, include lack of knowledge, confusion about usage, weak physician-patient relationship, fear of adverse reactions, and cost. Secondary nonadherence hurdles where the medication is started but is not taken as directed include lack of results, complex regimens, side effects, busy lifestyle, forgetfulness, inconvenience, and psychiatric comorbidity. Solutions to these hurdles include treatment simplification, technology, and dynamic education. Limitations: Adherence is affected by numerous factors, but available literature analyzing acne adherence and interventions to improve adherence to treatment is limited.

CONCLUSION: There are several hurdles in adhering to acne treatment. Recognition of these hurdles and finding appropriate solutions may be as important to treatment outcomes as choosing the right medication to prescribe. © 2016 Moradi Tuchayi et al.

Language: en

Keywords

human; systematic review; Review; Prevalence; Treatment; depression; lifestyle; suicide attempt; comorbidity; acne; isotretinoin; prescription; cholesterol blood level; cholesterol; intervention study; drug safety; doctor patient relation; follow up; cross-sectional study; drug efficacy; cost effectiveness analysis; Quality of life; side effect; arthralgia; skin irritation; antibiotic agent; enzyme blood level; Adherence; dermatitis; antibiotic resistance; liver enzyme; observational study; dry skin; retinoid; skin burning sensation; Acne vulgaris; cheilitis; randomized controlled trial (topic); Physician-patient relationship; Pathogenesis; medication compliance; adapalene plus benzoyl peroxide; Lifestyle; Clinic visit; Disease severity