The Influence of Depression on Medication Adherence Among Cancer Survivors

"Cancer survivorship is defined as ""any person living with , through , and beyond cancer€ which encompasses over 15.5 million Americans. Although rates of survivorship have increased , cancer survivor adherence rates are still not optimal. Adherence in cancer survivors includes engaging in a healthy lifestyle , attending regular surveillance appointments , and adhering to prescribed medications. Previous research has identified many factors that impact adherence in cancer survivors in cultural , biological , social , and psychological domains. Within the psychological domain , depression has been shown by previous research to impact adherence rates within many populations. The purpose of the present study is to examine the impact of depression on adherence rates among cancer survivors. Specifically , the current study will compare self-reported medication adherence rates of those who screen positively for depression with medication adherence rates of those who screen negatively for depression. Furthermore , the relationship between social support and adherence will also be examined in order to determine whether depression mediates the relationship between social support and medication adherence. Adult cancer survivors will be recruited through a family medicine outpatient center and pediatric oncology late-effects clinic. Participants will complete the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) to assess medication adherence and the Patient Health Questionnaire - 2 (PHQ-2) to screen for depression. Demographic variables will also be analyzed individually to describe the study population. Descriptive statistics will be used to define the rates of adherence and depression. A t-test will be used to compare adherence rates of those who screen positive for depression versus those who do not. A linear regression will be used to determine if depression mediates the relationship between social support and medication adherence. Results of this study will support a larger study to build a biopsychosocial-spiritual model for predicting adherence among cancer survivors. Determining whether depression influences medication adherence or mediates the relationship between social support and medication adherence among cancer survivors will help providers to better identify patients in need of intervention and provide earlier intervention to prevent future decreased adherence and promote improved well-being for cancer survivors.