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MEASURING MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN ASTHMA PATIENTS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: INSIGHTS FROM NORTH MACEDONIA

DIJANA MICEVA 1*, ZORICA NAUMOVSKA 2, DARINKA GJORGIEVA ACKOVA 1, KATARINA SMILKOV 1, BILJANA LAZAROVA 1,3, OLIVERA KRSTIC NAKOVSKA 4, SMILJKO JOVANOVSKI 4, DIMITAR KARKINSKI 4, BISTRA ANGELOVSKA 1, ELENA DRAKALSKA SERSEMOVA 1

1 Faculty of Medical Sciences, Goce Delcev University, Stip, Krste Misirkov Str., No. 10-A, P.O. Box 201, 2000 Stip, North Macedonia
2 Faculty of Pharmacy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mother Teresa 47, 1000 Skopje, R.N. Macedonia,
3 Clinical hospital, Ljuben Ivanov bb, 2000 Stip, N. Macedonia
4 University Clinic of Pulmonology and Allergology, Majka Tereza 17, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia

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Adherence to prescribed drug therapy is crucial in achieving disease control and better outcomes. This article aims to evaluate the current state in North Macedonia (NMK) and to address the need for establishing appropriate methods and implementing suitable tools for measuring medication adherence nationally. A literature review of available publications in scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar) was conducted to identify articles concerning the existence of methods for measuring medication adherence among asthma patients in North Macedonia, along with an evaluation of the current national legislative documentation addressing medication adherence. Our research identified a few, albeit limited, specific methods on a national level, and no available tools designed explicitly for measuring medication adherence in asthma patients in the Macedonian language. Adopting an improved legislative framework is crucial for adequately outlining the requirements for assessing adherence levels and implementing suitable monitoring methods. Raising awareness of medication adherence in asthma patients among various stakeholders requires continuous efforts. Improving adherence should be prioritised by healthcare professionals, national programs, initiatives, and guidelines that aim to regularly assess and enhance adherence levels for asthma patients.