Prevalence of Non-adherence to Medication Among Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

Background: Non-adherence to medication among patients on chronic hemodialysis compromises treatment effects and results in increased morbidity, mortality and extensive costs to the healthcare system. To our knowledge, no studies have investigated the prevalence of non-adherence among Danish hemodialysis patients using a validated measure of non-adherence. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of non-adherence among Danish patients on chronic hemodialysis measured by self-report. Our second aim was to explore patients' beliefs about medicines and potential associations between beliefs and non-adherence to medication. Our third aim was to explore the prevalence and severity of physical and emotional symptoms and potential associations with non-adherence to medication. Design: A multi-centre cross-sectional study according to the STROBE statement will be conducted from May 2019 - April 2021. The study will take place in the outpatient hemodialysis centres at three large University Hospitals in the Capital Region of Denmark.