abstract: The effect of cost on adherence to prescription medications in Canada [Research]

The effect of cost on adherence to prescription medications in Canada [Research]:

Background:
Many patients do not adhere to treatment because they cannot afford their prescription medications, putting them at increased risk of adverse health outcomes. We determined the prevalence of cost-related nonadherence and investigated its associated characteristics, including whether a person has drug insurance.

Interpretation:
About 1 in 10 Canadians who receive a prescription report cost-related nonadherence. The variability in insurance coverage for prescription medications appears to be a key reason behind this phenomenon.