Improved adherence to statin treatment and differences in results between men and women after pictorial risk communication—a sub-study of the VIPVIZA RCT

Background

People with intermediate CVD risk constitute most of the population. Within this group, the proportion of events is lower compared to the high-risk group, but they contribute with the largest absolute number of events. Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process and progression can be slowed or even reversed with medication and lifestyle changes, but adherence to prescribed treatment is crucial.

Aim

To investigate the long-term effects of interventions with pictorial risk communication of cardiovascular (CVD) risk on average adherence in a group of statin users. Compare response in adherence over time between men and women after intervention.

Methods

Participants on active statin treatment were followed up to 5 years after being randomly assigned to an intervention program aimed at raising CVD risk awareness among participants and their physicians. Merging prescribed medication databases with VIPVIZA study to study adherence over time. A moving average adherence was used to compare groups.

Results

Generally, the average adherence to statins among the 512 participants was high. Men had a higher average adherence over time, while women had a sharper increase in adherence in conjuncture with the intervention program.

Conclusions

Both men and women were receptive to pictorial information regarding CVD risk, but the intervention effect was more pronounced in women. Sex differences are important when considering risk communication strategies. Periodically repeating the intervention was beneficial for maintaining the intervention effect over time.

Trial registration

The VIPVIZA study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, May 8, 2013, number NCT01849575.