<i>‘What the herbal medicine can do for me in a week, the orthodox does in a year’:</i> Perceived efficacy of local alternative therapies influences medication adherence in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Background There is strong evidence that anti-platelet therapy, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and statins are cost-effective in reducing subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events patients with atherosclerotic (ACVD). In some settings, only a low proportion of people have access to these medications, even lower adhere them. The current study explored presents data on the causes poor adherence orthodox medication motivations for alternative therapies established Methods was conducted among city-dwelling adults ACVD Accra – Ghana's capital city. Eighteen interviews were ACVD. A follow-up focus group discussion protocol approved by two ethics review committees based Ghana United Kingdom. All participants interviewed after informed consent. Analysis done Nvivo qualitative analysis software. Results We identified use alternatives therapies. These cover five dimensions adherence: social economic, health-care system, condition-related, therapy-related, patient-related dimensions. Perceived inability an provide immediate benefit important motivator forms medication. Conclusions multiplicity factors precipitate non-adherence efficacy easy local such as herbal faith-based motivators.