Resistance or Non-Compliance? Assessing the Role of Literacy in Adherence to Medication

Abstract

Among the largest problems in the field of medicine is the issue of medical adherence. In both developed and developing countries, the non-adherence of patients causes recurrence in chronic illnesses, a strain on the public health system, and a general decline in economic and public health. This is especially so among the most vulnerable sections of the population, such as the elderly, women, minorities, and the poor. Several studies have concluded that there is a positive co-relation and a causal effect between literacy and medical adherence. It increases adherence to prescribed treatments when patients are made aware of the benefits of doing so, and the ill effects of non-adherence. Despite this finding, the field of healthcare policy continues to struggle with implementation of effective measures to tackle the same. This paper will examine the theoretical foundations of medical adherence, and the current policies that exist. The paper will then offer a critique of existing policy, and pose policy recommendations for a more holistic and multi-disciplinary approach that takes into account varying contexts and factors that interplay with literacy.