The Non-adherence Scope in Stroke: A Narrative Review

Stroke is among the most significant disease burden globally, with upper middle-income countries having the highest prevalence. Worldwide stroke burden is credited to modifiable risk factors related to underlying comorbidities and the patients’ lifestyle. Non-adherence to medication is an added liability which cause substantial loss in terms of money, time, and effort of various stakeholders. There is a lack of behavioural interventions with significant results to overcome intentional non-adherence to stroke preventative medication. A narrative review was selected for analysis to gain a general understanding and defining of intentional non-adherence. The results of this review identified several criteria of perception, belief, and attitude of stroke patients’ intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics of medication taking and treatment behaviour which are potential modifiable factors to sustain stroke prevention.