Factors Impacting Chronic Disease Medication Adherence in the UAE: A Prospective Cohort Study, 2021-2022

This study followed over 100 UAE patients with chronic diseases for a full year to identify what predicts whether someone stays on their prescribed treatment or drops out of care. Patients who felt satisfied with the time spent with their doctor and who had lower stress and anxiety were far more likely to still be in treatment a year later.

• About 1 in 7 patients had stopped seeing their prescribing doctor by the one-year mark; satisfaction with doctor visits and lower stress levels were the strongest factors separating patients who stayed on treatment from those who didn’t.
• Difficulty joining community activities and the influence of cultural or spiritual beliefs became noticeably more significant barriers over the course of the year, showing that the challenges patients face can shift and grow over time.
• The findings reinforce that supporting patients isn’t a one-time conversation at diagnosis. Ongoing check-ins are needed as new barriers emerge over the course of treatment.
• With doctors’ time in short supply globally, the study makes a strong case for bringing in other support, like peer educators, social workers, or community health workers, to help patients stay engaged in their care.