Sherwin LB¹, Deroche CB², Krisanabud P¹, Matteson-Kome M³, Bechtold M³, Ruppar T⁴. West J Nurs Res. 2019 Aug 23:193945919872419. doi: 10.1177/0193945919872419. [Epub ahead of print]

Author information

1 Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.

2 Health Management and Informatics, Office of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.

3 Department of Gastroenterology, University of Missouri Healthcare, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.

4 Department of Adult Health and Gerontological Nursing, College of Nursing, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA.

Abstract

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), characterized by abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction, treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms. Adherence is crucial for pharmacologic management success. We examined 73 adult's objective adherence to rifaximin using the taxonomy for adherence. Demographic, quality of life (QOL), psychological distress, perceived stress, adverse childhood experiences (ACE), pain, and adherence data were collected. Impaired QOL, elevated psychological distress and perceived stress, and a significant number of ACE were reported at baseline. Average time to prescription initiation was 2.5 days. Once implemented, 92% missed midday dose and persisted 5 days beyond the prescribed dose. High-adherers reported lower pain levels post-rifaximin compared to low-adherers. Objective adherence was significantly lower than self-reported. Objective adherence was not predicted by above variables. Adherence to rifaximin is poor in those with IBS. Future research examining perceived barriers/facilitators toward rifaximin adherence may provide insight into patient-centered, modifiable targets for adherence interventions and improve patient-related outcomes.