ĐÁNH GIÁ KHÔNG TUÂN THỦ ĐIỀU TRỊ VÀ CÁC YẾU TỐ LIÊN QUAN Ở BỆNH NHÂN UNG THƯ GAN TẠI BỆNH VIỆN TRUNG ƯƠNG THÁI NGUYÊN

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate treatment non-adherence and associated factors among outpatients with hepatocellular carcinoma at Thai Nguyen Central Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 113 outpatients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma. Medication adherence was assessed using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, and treatment-related characteristics were collected through structured questionnaires and medical records. Results: None of the patients achieved high adherence, low adherence was observed in 62.8% (mean MMAS-8 score: 4.75 ± 1.40). Common barriers included difficulty in taking medication (47.8%), concerns about adverse effects (20.3%), financial hardship (58.4%), and treatment-related side effects such as fatigue (72.6%) and insomnia (63.7%). However, statistical analyses revealed no significant associations between adherence and age, sex, educational attainment, disease stage, or trust in healthcare providers (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Non-adherence to medication among outpatients with hepatocellular carcinoma remains alarmingly high, with most patients showing low adherence. Comprehensive interventions—focusing on counseling, psychological support, management of adverse effects, and financial assistance—are urgently needed to improve adherence and optimize treatment outcomes.