How does the COVID-19 pandemic impact medication adherence of patients with chronic disease?: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To determine how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts patients with chronic disease medication adherence. Methods: Four electronic databases, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL Plus Full Text, were searched for literature between 2019 and 2021. Abstracts and later full texts were independently screened by the authors of this review using inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine relevance to our study. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of included texts. Relevant information and data from the included texts were extracted into tables for data synthesis and analysis. Results: Ten studies met the study criteria, the most popular study design was cross-sectional design (n = 9, 90.0%), others were case series (n = 1, 10.0%). Barriers to medication adherence and facilitators of medication adherence were the major two themes that participants reported regarding the impact of COVID-19 on medication adherence. Moreover, these two main themes have been organized in sub-themes that are dealt with in-depth. Discussion: Our results could heighten healthcare providers, stakeholders, and policy leaders’ awareness of providing appropriate support for chronic disease patients, especially regarding medication adherence. Future research incorporating programs that support patients’ needs is recommended.