The Relationship between Stigma and Medication Adherence in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Hospitalized in Razi Hospital in Rasht City

Stigma, along with physical limitations due to respiratory symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can lead to social isolation and loneliness, poor self-management, and reduced engagement with health care providers. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between stigma and medication adherence in patients with COPD.

This correlational study was conducted on 140 patients with COPD hospitalized in Razi Hospital in Rasht city in 2023. Convenience sampling method was performed based on the inclusion criteria. Data collection tools were the demographic and clinical information form, Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire, and Stigma Scale for Chronic Diseases. The Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate regression model in SPSS-27 software.

The mean of stigma score was 73.38±24.29 and the mean of medication adherence score was 2.67 ±2.61. Pearson correlation coefficient showed a negative and statistically significant relationship between medication adherence and stigma scores in COPD patients (p=-0.591, p<0.001). In addition, based on the results of multivariate linear regression analysis, stigma, and use of drug and inhaler can predict the medication adherence score.

Based on the results of this study, the stigma in COPD patients was moderate and medication adherence was poor. Furthermore, a significant inverse relationship was observed between medication adherence and stigma scores in these patients. Therefore, it is necessary to plan interventions to prevent stigma and control stigma-related factors, such as medication non-adherence, in COPD patients.