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Identifying socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with medication beliefs about aromatase inhibitors among postmenopausal women with breast cancer

  • Epidemiology
  • Published:
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Non-adherence/persistence to adjuvant endocrine therapy can negatively impact survival. Beliefs about medicines are known to affect adherence. This study aims to identify socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with medication beliefs among women taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs).

Methods

Women completed an online survey on beliefs about AI therapy [Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ)], beliefs about breast cancer [Assessment of Survivor Concerns scale (ASC)], and depression [Personal Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-8)]. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Bivariate analyses and linear regression models were performed to investigate relationships between variables.

Results

A total of 224 women reported currently taking AI therapy and were included in the analysis. Significantly higher concern beliefs were found among women who had at least mild depression, experienced side effects from AIs, and previously stopped therapy with another AI. Significant correlations were found between concern and necessity beliefs and cancer and health worry. Women age 70 and older displayed less fear of cancer recurrence and health worry, and a trend towards lower necessity and concern beliefs. No differences were found for other variables. In the regression model, greater necessity beliefs were found with increases in the number of current prescription medications (B = 1.06, 95% CI 0.31–1.81, p = 0.006) and shorter duration of current AI therapy (B = −0.65, 95% CI −1.23 to −0.07, p = 0.029), whereas greater concern beliefs were associated with higher depression scores (B = 1.19, 95% CI 0.35–2.03, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Medication necessity and concern beliefs were associated with a definable subset of patients who may be at higher risk for non-persistence.

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Funding

Dr. Henry was supported, in part, by a Damon Runyon-Lilly Clinical Investigator Award supported by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation (#CI-53-10).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, 410 N. 10th Street, PO Box 980533, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA

    Teresa M. Salgado

  2. University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, 428 Church St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Emily J. Davis

  3. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, 428 Church St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Karen B. Farris

  4. Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, 9401 Jeronimo Rd., Irvine, CA, 92618, USA

    Souhiela Fawaz

  5. Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA

    Peter Batra

  6. Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Cir of Hope Dr., Salt Lake City, UT, 84103, USA

    N. Lynn Henry

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  1. Teresa M. Salgado
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  2. Emily J. Davis
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  3. Karen B. Farris
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  4. Souhiela Fawaz
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  5. Peter Batra
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  6. N. Lynn Henry
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Correspondence to Teresa M. Salgado.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

This study was approved by the University of Michigan (UM) Institutional Review Board (IRBMED). Written informed consent was obtained from all individuals before completing the survey.

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Salgado, T.M., Davis, E.J., Farris, K.B. et al. Identifying socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with medication beliefs about aromatase inhibitors among postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 163, 311–319 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-017-4177-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-017-4177-9

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