Background Study

Medication noncompliance, also referred to as medication nonadherence, is a significant public health concern worldwide. It occurs when patients do not take their prescribed medications as directed by healthcare providers, whether by missing doses, stopping treatment early, or not following the prescribed dosage schedule. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2003), medication noncompliance is a widespread issue, especially among young people, contributing to poor health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

The youth population, typically defined as individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 years, faces unique challenges that may contribute to medication noncompliance. Adolescence and young adulthood are periods marked by rapid physical, emotional, and social changes (Arnett, 2000). During this stage, individuals are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and may struggle with maintaining consistency in health-related habits, including medication adherence (DiMatteo, 2004).

Various studies have shown that medication noncompliance among youths can be influenced by factors such as forgetfulness, lack of knowledge about the importance of medication adherence, fear of side effects, social stigma, and limited access to healthcare services (Miller & DiMatteo, 2013; Sabaté, 2003). Additionally, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which are prevalent among young people, can negatively impact adherence to prescribed treatments (DiMatteo et al., 2000).

In low- and middle-income countries, medication noncompliance among youths is further compounded by socio-economic challenges, cultural beliefs, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. According to Sabaté (2003), adherence rates are often lower in developing countries due to limited access to affordable healthcare and a lack of patient education programs. In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, poverty and stigma associated with certain conditions such as HIV/AIDS are significant barriers to medication adherence (Mills et al., 2006).

The consequences of medication noncompliance can be severe, particularly for youths dealing with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and HIV/AIDS. Nonadherence can lead to disease progression, increased risk of hospitalization, and even death (DiMatteo, 2004). Moreover, it places a considerable economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide, with costs associated with noncompliance estimated to be in the billions of dollars annually (Sabaté, 2003).

Given the importance of addressing this issue, researchers and healthcare providers have sought to understand the underlying factors contributing to medication noncompliance among youths. Identifying these factors is essential for developing effective interventions aimed at improving adherence rates and promoting better health outcomes. This study aims to explore the various factors influencing medication noncompliance among youths, with a particular focus on socio-economic, psychological, cultural, and healthcare-related factors.

1.2 Problem statement

It has been identified by various studies that there exist challenges within the health sector related to medication noncompliance and its wide range of influencing factors. Medication non-compliance is associated with poorer health outcomes (Rasmussen et al., 2017). If patients do not gain the expected health benefits from their medication because of non-compliance, the burden of health care costs increases for both patients and society in general (Roebuck et al., 2011, Iuga et al., 2014, Cutler et al., 2018).

Not taking the right dose or abandoning treatment altogether can exacerbate a patient’s health condition, increase the risk of disease progression, and lead to prolonged hospitalization. Non-compliance doesn’t just affect individual patients and their loved ones, it also takes a financial toll on our healthcare system and taxpayers. Research has found that morbidity and mortality associated with poor medication compliance leads to high increase. By making it easier for patients to follow their prescription regimens, we can keep people healthier while reducing unnecessary strain on the economy. This led to the conception of the current study which focuses on the factors that influence medication noncompliance among youths in the molyko community.

1.3 Rationale

Medication compliance is important for controlling chronic conditions, treating temporary conditions, and overall long-term health and well-being. Insights into the factors that might have a negative influence on compliance are important for reasons such as the identification of patients at high risk for non-compliance, the identification of possible compliance barriers that might be eliminated, and or support the development of individually tailored compliance-enhancing interventions. Therefore this study aims to evaluate the factors that influence medication noncompliance among youths in the molyko community.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1.4.1 General Objectives

This study has as its objectives to assess the factors that influence medication noncompliance among youths in the molyko community.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

1. To determine youths knowledge on the importance of medication compliance among youths in the molyko community.
2. To determine the factors that influence medication noncompliance among youths in the molyko community .

1.5 Research Questions

This study aims to answer the following research questions;

1.5.1 Research Questions

1. What knowledge do youths have about the importance of medication compliance  iyouths in the molyko community?
2. What are the factors that influence medication noncompliance among youths in the molyko community ?