What is a common barrier to medication adherence among younger patients?

The most common barrier to medication adherence among younger patients is often associated with the adverse effects of medication. This demographic may be more sensitive to side effects or may experience greater discomfort with the potential impacts of their medications, which in turn can lead to a reluctance to continue taking prescribed treatments. Younger patients might prioritize immediate experiences of side effects over the long-term benefits of medication, contributing to non-adherence.

While other factors such as interest in the treatment plan, access to regular follow-up, and family support play significant roles in adherence, they do not tend to impact younger patients as consistently or as profoundly as the adverse effects of medications. Young patients might engage positively with their treatment plans, have access to necessary follow-up care, or possess robust familial support, yet if the medications are uncomfortable or lead to undesirable side effects, these positives may not compensate for their discomfort, thereby impacting their willingness to continue on their prescribed medication regimen.