Relationship Between Depression and Medication Adherence Among Chronic Disease Patients in the Middle East

Background and aim Medication adherence is a crucial factor in the management of chronic diseases. Depression is a common psychiatric disorder that has been correlated with poor adherence to medication. Adherence to medication in patients with chronic diseases is a well-known concern among the medical community, particularly when considering the adverse outcomes of adherence failure in such patients. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between depression and medication adherence among chronic disease patients in the Middle East. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2024 and April 2024 among patients with chronic diseases from the Middle East. The data were collected through convenient sampling using structured online-based questionnaires that included demographic information, type of chronic condition, medication adherence (measured by the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS)), and depression severity (measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)). Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the associations between these variables. Results The study involved 492 participants with chronic diseases and found significant associations between demographic factors and medication adherence. Female participants were more likely to be non-adherent than males (p = 0.001), and younger participants aged 20-30 years exhibited higher non-adherence rates (46.7%) compared to older participants, 61 years and above (16.1%, p = 0.001). Non-working individuals showed higher non-adherence (45.4%) compared to retired individuals (21.5%, p = 0.003). Depression severity was inversely related to medication adherence; participants with severe depression were significantly more likely to be non-adherent (relative risk (RR) = 8.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.26-16.57, p < 0.001). In addition, certain chronic conditions were more impactful on medication adherence and depression rates, such as patients with rheumatoid disease that had lower rates of none to minimal depression (8.6%) and higher rates of moderately severe - severe depression each (28.6%). Meanwhile, asthma patients showed notably lower adherence rates (41.0%) and higher levels of severe depression (24.6%). Conclusion The study highlights the intricate relationships between demographic factors, chronic conditions, medication adherence, and depression in patients with chronic diseases in the Middle East. Gender, age, occupational status, and marital status significantly influence adherence and depression levels. Depression is a significant factor associated with decreased levels of adherence among patients with chronic conditions. Regular screening to detect and manage depression among chronically ill patients is advised to help improve medication adherence.