Compliance with medical recommendations by residents of the Tarnow region

Abstract

Background. A key element of any therapy is compliance with medical recommendations and appropriate cooperation between the patient and medical staff. Objectives. The aim of the study was an assessment of compliance with recommendations regarding taking medications and selected lifestyle elements in chronic diseases by residents of the Tarnow region. Material and methods. The analysis included 297 questionnaires completed by people aged 19–83 (mean 44.1 ± 16.9), residents of the Tarnow region. An original survey questionnaire was used to conduct the research. Data collection period: April–May 2023. Results. The most frequently indicated chronic diseases in the study group were hypertension (26.9%) and type 2 diabetes (20.2%). As many as 26.6% of respondents admitted that at least twice a week they miss a dose of a medication prescribed by a doctor on a permanent basis. A significant number of people (36.7%) indicated that they sometimes take higher doses of medications than prescribed. The same percentage of respondents admitted that they use additional supplements and other over-the-counter medicinal products with the same frequency (sometimes). Only 5.4% of respondents strictly follow dietary recommendations, and a significant percentage – 42.4% try to follow them. The remaining 36.7% admitted that they did not follow the prescribed diet. 50.2% of respondents declared that they engaged in physical activity (e.g. walking, general fitness exercises) at least twice a week. Only 15.8% of respondents answered that they regularly sleep 6–8 hours a day. Of the surveyed group, 6.1% of respondents are people who, despite having a chronic disease and prescribed pharmacotherapy, do not try to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages, while 75.8% declared that they drink alcohol occasionally (no more than once a month). A significant percentage – 34.7% declared that they were currently trying to quit smoking cigarettes. Conclusions. There is too much freedom in taking permanently prescribed medications – both in terms of omitting and taking an additional dose of the drug. It is also necessary to support people who would like to lead a healthier lifestyle but have difficulties, e.g. in quitting addiction. Additionally, educational activities should be implemented covering both the impact of physical activity on health, but also about proper sleep and rest hygiene.