02368nas a2200181 4500000000100000008004100001100001500042700001200057700001400069700001500083700001800098245008100116250001500197300001200212490000700224520190900231020004602140 2010 d1 aMuntner P.1 aMann D.1 aFalzon L.1 aKronish I.1 aWoodward Mark00aPredictors of nonadherence to statins: a systematic review and meta-analysis a2010/08/13 a1410-210 v443 a

BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to statins limits the benefits of this common drug class. Individual studies assessing predictors of nonadherence have produced inconsistent results. OBJECTIVE: To identify reliable predictors of nonadherence to statins through systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Multiple databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO, were searched (from inception through February 2009) to identify studies that evaluated predictors of nonadherence to statins. Studies were selected using a priori defined criteria, and each study was reviewed by 2 authors who abstracted data on study characteristics and outcomes. Relative risks were then pooled, using an inverse-variance weighted random-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-two cohort studies met inclusion criteria. Age had a U-shaped association with adherence; the oldest (>/=70 years) and youngest (<50 years) subjects had lower adherence than the middle-aged (50-69 years) subjects. Women and patients with lower incomes were more likely to be nonadherent than were men (odds of nonadherence 1.07; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.11) and those with higher incomes (odds of nonadherence 1.18; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.28), respectively. A history of cardiovascular disease predicted better adherence to statins (odds of nonadherence 0.68; 95% CI 0.66 to 0.78). Similarly, a diagnosis of hypertension or diabetes was associated with better adherence. Although there were too few studies for quantitative pooling, increased testing of lipid levels and lower out-of-pocket costs appeared to be associated with better adherence. There was substantial (I(2) range 68.7-96.3%) heterogeneity between studies across factors. CONCLUSIONS: Several sociodemographic, medical, and health-care utilization characteristics are associated with statin nonadherence. These factors may be useful guides for targeting statin adherence interventions.

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