Adherence to Glivec (Imatinib Mesylate) Therapy Amongst Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Adherence to Imatinib (Glivec®) is of critical importance in achieving optimal treatment outcomes in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Objective: This study aims to investigate adherence to therapy and factors that could influence patient adherence to Glivec®. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study conducted at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile‑Ife. Seventy consenting newly diagnosed CML patients in the chronic phase were counseled on adherence to therapy and administered 400 mg/day dose of Glivec. Six months after commencement, they were evaluated for adherence using two structured self‑ administered questionnaires. The first one to evaluate adherence (Morisky Medication Adherence Scale) and the other was administered to identify factors known to influence adherence to therapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 Statistical package (2012, IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The study participants had a mean age of 38.4 ± 12.7 years. The male‑to‑female (male: female) ratio was 1.7: 1. Thirty‑three (47.1%) of the patients were classified as adherent. Family support was significantly associated with adherence (p = 0.012). The distance of >200 km away from the point of drug collection, OAUTHC, Ile‑Ife, was significantly associated with non-adherence to Glivec therapy (p = 0.008). Conclusion: This study found that adherence in patients on Glivec® therapy was <50%. Distance of >200 km and family support were significant determinants of adherence in this study.