Variation in adherence measures as a function of calculation methods.

Aim: We aim to compare different operational definitions of medication adherence as well as examine the within-patient variability among these measures among patients treated for multiple comorbid conditions.

Methods: Electronically monitored adherence data from a study on comorbid conditions were examined using three different calculation methods. DAILY adherence calculated the number of administrations divided by the number prescribed, without considering inter-dose interval.

The Effect of Symptom Clusters on Quality of Life Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the collective effect of a symptom cluster (depression, anxiety, fatigue, and impaired sleep quality) at baseline on the quality of life (QOL) of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) over time.

Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of 302 patients with T2DM who presented with both hypertension and hyperlipidemia. All of the participants were enrolled in a randomized controlled intervention study testing strategies to improve medication adherence.

Medication adherence interventions among hypertensive black adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Black adults have higher rates of hypertension and lower rates of blood pressure (BP) control than white adults. Improving BP control requires attention to use of antihypertensive medications, but antihypertensive regimen adherence remains low, preventing improved BP control.

Methods And Results: We conducted a comprehensive search and systematic review of intervention studies testing interventions to improve adherence to BP medications among black adults with hypertension.

Medication Adherence Interventions Improve Heart Failure Mortality and Readmission Rates: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials.

Background: Poor adherence to medications is a common problem among heart failure (HF) patients. Inadequate adherence leads to increased HF exacerbations, reduced physical function, and higher risk for hospital admission and death. Many interventions have been tested to improve adherence to HF medications, but the overall impact of such interventions on readmissions and mortality is unknown.

Risk factors and preventive interventions for Alzheimer disease: state of the science.

Background: Numerous studies have investigated risk factors for Alzheimer disease (AD). However, at a recent National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science Conference, an independent panel found insufficient evidence to support the association of any modifiable factor with risk of cognitive decline or AD.

Objective: To present key findings for selected factors and AD risk that led the panel to their conclusion.

National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science Conference statement: preventing alzheimer disease and cognitive decline.

The National Institute on Aging and the Office of Medical Applications of Research of the National Institutes of Health convened a State-of-the-Science Conference on 26-28 April 2010 to assess the available scientific evidence on prevention of cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease. This article provides the panel's assessment of the available evidence.

NIH state-of-the-science conference statement: Preventing Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.

Objective: To provide health care providers, patients, and the general public with a responsible assessment of currently available data on prevention of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.

Participants: A non-Department of Health and Human Services, nonadvocate 15-member panel representing the fields of preventive medicine, geriatrics, internal medicine, neurology, neurological surgery, psychiatry, mental health, human nutrition, pharmacology, genetic medicine, nursing, health economics, health services research, family caregiving, and a public representative. In addition, 20 experts from pertinent fields presented data to the panel and conference audience.

Strategies for implementing and sustaining therapeutic lifestyle changes as part of hypertension management in African Americans.

African Americans with high blood pressure (BP) can benefit greatly from therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) such as diet modification, physical activity, and weight management. However, they and their health care providers face many barriers in modifying health behaviors. A multidisciplinary panel synthesized the scientific data on TLC in African Americans for efficacy in improving BP control, barriers to behavioral change, and strategies to overcome those barriers.

Children's adherence to recommended asthma self-management.

Purpose: Adherence to peak expiratory flow rate monitoring by children with asthma was evaluated, and a behavioral strategy to enhance adherence to daily monitoring was tested.

Design And Methods: Forty-two 7- through 11-year-old children with persistent asthma were recruited into a 5-week randomized, controlled clinical trial. Adherence data were collected electronically by PeakLog and the self-report Asthma Diary.