Background and importance Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide. Patients‘ knowledge about their disease and/or the use of new technologies are factors that may influence patient adherence to medicines.

Aim and objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment adherence for HBV patients and identify the factors involved.

Material and methods This was a descriptive study carried out in a regional hospital for 8 months. Patients diagnosed with HBV by the gastroenterology unit who collected their treatments from the outpatient pharmacy service (OPS) during the study period were included. Patients who refused were excluded from the study. To evaluate adherence to the treatment and the factors involved, we developed a questionnaire with seven questions to be completed by the patient anonymously when collecting their medicines in the OPS. In addition, to evaluate treatment adherence, we checked the medicines dispensation record database. All patients enrolled signed informed consent to take part in the study.

Results 66 patients were included, 55 were men (83.3%), 33 (50%) were Spanish. Median age was 47 years (range 82–25). Four patients (6%) had attended university, 18 (27.3%) had a high school degree and 44 (66.7%) had primary school education. Of the surveyed patients, 51 (77.2%) has been collecting HBV medication over 3 years and 3 (4.5%) for <1 year. 29 patients (43.9%) had never looked at information about their disease and 37 (56%) answered three out of four questions correctly about the natural history of the infection. 51 patients said they did not require a medication reminder strategy while 8 (12.2%) used a medication remainder. 18 patients (27.3%) acknowledged skipping any medication in the last month, with the main cause of lack of adherence being forgetting the medication (15 patients, 83.3%). With regards to adherence to medication based on the pharmacy dispensation record database, 58 patients (87.9%) had more than 90% estimated adherence, with 100% adherence among patients who attended university or had a high school degree.

Conclusion and relevance HBV patients showed high adherence compliance. Most had not made special arrangements to remind them to take their medication. Generally, patients showed poor knowledge of the natural history of their illness. Our study showed a link between the patient’s educational attainment and medication compliance.

Conflict of interest No conflict of interest