(95) Adherence to Medications and Government Recommendations Among Breast Cancer Women During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Saturday, August 27, 2022

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM CEST

Location: Hall C

Publication Number: 769

Presenting Author(s)

Charlotte Myers
– Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, dublin 8, Dublin, Ireland

Co-Author(s)

Sophie Lauzier, PhD
– Full Professor, CHU de Québec Research Center−Université Laval, Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Axis, Québec, QC, Canada
Fanie Bourgault
– CHU de Québec Research Center−Université Laval, Canada
Michel Dorval
– CHU de Québec Research Center−Université Laval, Canada
Hermann Nabi, PhD
– Assistant Professor, CHU de Québec Research Center−Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
Josée Savard
– CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Canada
Kathleen E. Bennett, PhD
– Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland., Dublin, Ireland
Caitriona Cahir
– Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland., Ireland

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting cancer and supportive care for women diagnosed with breast cancer and various aspects of their lives.

Objectives: In this context, we sought to document adherence to oral breast cancer medications and adherence to government measures related to the pandemic.

Methods: We conducted an online survey between 2020/11 and 2021/03 in the province of Quebec (Canada) and Ireland among women diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years. Beliefs regarding oral breast cancer medications and adherence were measured using the Belief about medicines questionnaire (BMQ) and the Medication adherence report scale (MARS). These instruments were adapted to assess beliefs and adherence to government measures related to the pandemic.

Results: 650 women responded to the online survey (Quebec, n=265; Ireland, n=385). 375 (58%) had oral medications at time of the survey. Respondents had positive beliefs about oral breast cancer medications (mean difference between BMQ necessity and concerns scores: Quebec +3.2; Ireland +7.4) and high adherence (mean 24/25 for both settings). Positive beliefs were also reported for recommendations regarding social distancing (+6.3; +5.4) and mask wearing (+8.7; +12.2). Adherence to government recommendations was also high in both settings (mean 22/25).

Conclusions: Women with breast cancer reported positive beliefs and very high adherence to both oral medications and government recommendations.
An undergoing qualitative study will explore the reasons for high adherence among this vulnerable population facing pandemic challenges.