Associated factors with treatment adherence in children aged 1 to 3 years: a study at the “Señor de los Milagros” Health Center, Huaycan – Ate

Abstract

Objective: To determine the factors associated with treatment adherence in children aged 1 to 3 years at the "Señor de los Milagros" Health Center in Huaycán – Ate. Methods: This observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study investigated adherence to anti-anemic treatment in 169 children aged 1 to 3 years diagnosed with anemia, selected from an initial group of 300. Using a data collection form, variables covering maternal, sociocultural, treatment, and health system aspects were evaluated through bivariate analysis and Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: The results highlighted low treatment adherence, with only 4.7% of children showing high adherence and 15.4% demonstrating non-adherence. Higher adherence was observed in mothers with secondary education, homemakers, and those living with their partners. Factors such as receiving understandable information, respectful treatment, and proximity to the health center positively influenced adherence. Conclusion: There is a significant association between adherence to anti-anemic treatment and maternal, sociocultural, and treatment-related factors (p<0.05), suggesting that improving communication, socioeconomic support, and accessibility could enhance therapeutic adherence.