Facilitating and barrier beliefs for drug adherence in light of the theory of planned behavior: Integrative Review

Objective: To analyze the evidence on the use of the Theory of Planned Behavior for the collection of drug adherence-related beliefs. Methods: This is an integrative review carried out on the MEDLINE, Scopus Info Site (SCOPUS) and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) platforms. Results: It was evidenced that the control of the disease and the prevention of complications were highlighted among the advantages related to drug adherence, and the side effects were relevant among the disadvantages. As for the social referents, the spouse, children and relatives were highlighted as positive against the medication. Negative referents were relatives who had previous experiences with other medications and patients not adhering to treatments. It is important to note that Among the main control beliefs that facilitate decision making was the medication always in hand, to follow a routine and to have something or someone to remember, and the barriers observed were the use of more than one medication, lack of information, transportation and memory. Conclusion: The use of the Theory of Planned Behavior was adequate to raise the beliefs inherent in drug adherence, showing the possibility of proposing health strategies aimed at strengthening positive beliefs, promoting adherence to drug therapy.