Associations remain inconclusive between religiosity and spirituality on medication adherence in cardiovascular disease

1. There was a significant association (positive or negative depending on demographic factors) between religiosity and spirituality (R/S) and medication adherence in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

2. However, this systematic review found there were no studies reporting on acute CVDs such as coronary artery disease, angina or myocardial infarction.

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

CVDs are associated with polypharmacy and approximately 50% of patients are non-adherent to their medications, which in turn, leads to poorer outcomes. R/S aims to approach treatment from a holistic manner which may be beneficial to patients suffering from such diseases. Past studies have reported a relationship between R/S and medication adherence in patients diagnosed with CVDs; however, none of these have been comprehensive systematic reviews. Consequently, the objective of the present systematic review was to summarize the literature on the relationship between R/S and medication adherence in patients with CVD.

From 417 screened records, 11 studies were included from August 2018 to September 2018. Studies were included if they measured both patients’ R/S and medication adherence. Studies were excluded if they were not research related. Quality assessment was performed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT). Results of the study were synthesized using a qualitative narrative synthesis. The tools used to measure R/S and medication adherence varied.

Results demonstrated that there was a significant association (positive or negative depending on demographic factors) between religiosity and spirituality (R/S) and medication adherence in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Furthermore, there were no studies reporting on acute CVDs such as coronary artery disease, angina, or myocardial infarction. However, this study was limited by the inclusion of studies conducted primarily in the United States, which may not be representative of all religious affiliations. Despite this, the findings of the present review have provided insights on knowledge in the literature which will help further explore the influence of R/S on patient medication adherence.

Click to read the study in Journal of Religion and Health 

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