A systematic review of factors affecting intended and actual adherence with antiviral medication as treatment or prophylaxis in seasonal and pandemic flu

Abstract

The aim of this review was to identify factors predicting actual or intended adherence to antivirals as treatment or prophylaxis for influenza. Literature from inception to March 2015 was systematically reviewed to find studies reporting predictors of adherence to antivirals and self‐reported reasons for non‐adherence to antivirals. Twenty‐six studies were included in the review; twenty identified through the literature search and six through other means. Of these studies, 18 assessed predictors of actual adherence to antivirals, whereas eight assessed predictors of intended adherence. The most commonly found predictor of, and self‐reported reason for, non‐adherence was the occurrence of side effects. Other predictors include perceptions surrounding self‐efficacy, response efficacy and perceived personal consequences as well as social influences of others' experiences of taking antivirals. Predictors identified in this review can be used to help inform communications to increase adherence to antivirals in both seasonal and pandemic influenza.

Psychosocial and demographic predictors of adherence and non-adherence to health advice accompanying air quality warning systems: a systematic review

“…[ 52 ]), and in particular in relation to the adoption of protective behaviour during poor air quality episodes [ 53 ]. Similar to previous reviews [ 20 ], we are discussing our results using the COM-B model of behaviour change [ 9 – 11 ] (see Table 4 ). In relation to ‘psychological capability’, awareness of air quality alerts [ 32 ], knowing where to check air quality indices, and understanding what these indices mean were significantly associated with higher adherence [ 40 ].…”

“…Similarly to previous systematic reviews [ 19 , 20 ], risk of bias was determined according to an adaptation of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) critical appraisal methodology checklist for cohort studies [ 21 ], and supplemented by relevant items from the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias tool [ 22 ]. Each article was assessed for presence of risk of bias by two independent reviewers.…”

A Systems Approach to Study Immuno- and Neuro-Modulatory Properties of Antiviral Agents

“…To date, 86 drugs have been approved for treatment of 17 viral infections [2]. However, some of these agents possess severe side effects [3][4][5]. For example, anti-HCV ribavirin causes hemolytic anemia when used long-term; anti-IAV zanamivir worsens breathing in patients with asthma; and anti-HIV drug, rescriptor, can cause severe rashes and lipodystrophy [6][7][8][9].…”

Oseltamivir for All: Should It Become an Over‐the‐Counter Medication for Influenza Treatment?

“…Other serious adverse effects, such as the development of transient neuropsychiatric events, have also been reported, although whether they were attributed to influenza sequelae or were an adverse effect of oseltamivir (or a combination of both) remains unknown . Furthermore, adverse effects are a common reason for nonadherence to antiviral therapy . OTC medications may be perceived as more benign than prescription medications; as such, the benefit of initiating treatment should be weighed against the risk of adverse effects for each patient.…”

“…11,12 Furthermore, adverse effects are a common reason for nonadherence to antiviral therapy. 13 OTC medications may be perceived as more benign than prescription medications; as such, the benefit of initiating treatment should be weighed against the risk of adverse effects for each patient. Given the nuances of treatment initiation, questionable benefit to adverse effect ratio, and the need for shared decision making between patients and providers, OTC access to oseltamivir should be pursued with caution.…”