Influence of patient and treatment factors on adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy in breast cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively assess the patient and illness or treatment factors that may predict nonadherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy and to explore whether an interaction occurs between these factors in women with breast cancer.

DESIGN

Repeated-measures design.

SETTING

The Outpatient Services of the Women's Cancer Program at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and participants' homes.

SAMPLE

91 women with early-stage breast cancer who received endocrine therapy.

METHODS

Adherence was assessed continuously for the first 18 months of endocrine therapy. Patient and illness or treatment factors were assessed at four time points (Time 1 to Time 4). Time 1 (baseline) was within two weeks prior to the initiation of endocrine therapy. Times 2-4 occurred at six-month intervals, as many as 18 months after Time 1.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Adherence, patient factors, and illness or treatment factors.

FINDINGS

Adherence to endocrine therapy declined significantly during the first 18 months of treatment in women with breast cancer. The presence of negative mood and symptoms before starting treatment predicted nonadherence to endocrine therapy over time. Perceptions of financial hardship, symptoms, disease stage, and more complex medication regimens intensified the effect of negative mood on adherence over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with breast cancer may be at risk for nonadherence to prescribed endocrine therapy if they experience depression or anxiety and symptoms prior to initiating therapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Oncology nurses should be alert to women with breast cancer who are depressed or anxious or who are experiencing symptoms. Management of negative mood and symptoms may result in better adherence.