Why is Patient Adherence Important in Epidemiology?
In the context of epidemiology, patient adherence is vital for several reasons. Firstly, it impacts the effectiveness of interventions; non-adherence can lead to suboptimal health outcomes and skew the results of epidemiological studies. Secondly, it affects the spread of infectious diseases. For instance, non-adherence to antibiotic regimens can lead to antibiotic resistance, posing a public health threat. Lastly, patient adherence influences the cost-effectiveness of healthcare systems, as non-adherence can lead to higher rates of hospitalization and additional treatment costs.
