Descripción del nivel de adherencia al tratamiento antibiótico en pacientes atendidos en un centro de salud.

Abstract

Context: Adherence to antibiotic treatment helps combat infections and reduce bacterial resistance; however, it can be affected by forgetfulness, insufficient information, mistrust, and lack of family support. Objective: To analyze the level of adherence to antibiotic treatment in patients treated at a health center in the city of Guayaquil. Methodological design: Quantitative, descriptive, prospective, and cross-sectional study. Population: 102 patients from Health Center No. 4, Julio Mata Martínez Dispensary, in Guayaquil. Technique: Survey. Instrument: Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and the BIOTICA Self-Report Questionnaire. Results: 36% were between 25 and 32 years old, 67% were female, and 97% resided in urban areas; syphilis was the most frequent pathological process at 63%. Furthermore, 93% considered the appointment hours adequate, 91% were aware of them, and 62% attended weekly. Regarding associated factors, 71% received insufficient information, 71% were unaware of the consequences of incorrect use, and 75% expressed distrust of the person who prescribed the antibiotic. In terms of unintentional adherence, 86% forgot to take their medication, 79% were careless, and 78% forgot to take it with them when leaving home. 47% showed high adherence, 44% medium, and 9% low. Conclusion: High adherence to antibiotic treatment predominated; however, patients with medium and low adherence were also identified. Insufficient information, lack of awareness of the consequences, and distrust were also associated with therapeutic compliance.