Which of the following is a medication adherence barrier?

Adverse effects of medication are indeed a significant barrier to medication adherence. When patients experience negative side effects from their prescribed medications, they may be less likely to continue taking them as directed. This can lead to a lack of trust in the treatment plan, increased anxiety about taking the medication, or even the decision to stop medication altogether. The experience of adverse effects can diminish a person’s perception of the benefits of the medication, leading to inconsistent usage or complete discontinuation.

In contrast, lack of knowledge about the medication can impact adherence as well, but it can often be addressed through education and counseling. A support system and consistent follow-up care are typically facilitators of adherence, as they provide patients with resources and encouragement to stay on track with their treatment plan. Thus, while barriers to adherence can be multifaceted, the adverse effects of medications are a particularly impactful reason why patients may struggle to follow their prescribed regimens.