Patients' Knowledge and Medication Adherence to Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment

유방암 환자의 호르몬치료에 대한 지식과 약물복용이행에 관한 연구

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of knowledge and medication adherence to hormonal therapy (HT) and to identify the factors influencing medication adherence for patients with breast cancer. Methods: Data were collected from 136 patients undergoing adjuvant HT for breast cancer in 3 general hospitals from July 1 to August 14 in 2014 using self-report questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, $Scheff{\grave{e}}$ test, and multiple regression. Results: The average of knowledge about HT was $5.15{\pm}2.22$ (Max 9), and that of medication adherence was $5.76{\pm}1.65$ (Max 8). Younger age, shorter duration of HT, more active participation in decision making for treatment, positive perception for impacts of HT, and stronger belief in cure were influencing factors on higher adherence level. Age, duration of HT, and perception on the impacts of hormonal therapy, and belief in cure explained 25.2% of the adherence. Conclusion: To improve the treatment adherence to hormonal therapy, patient education and involvement in decision making, and the tailored intervention for the patients with older age, and long treatment period of HT are needed. Additionally, the strategies for diminishing unintentional forgetting is necessary to be developed.