The use of the Capability-Opportunity- Motivation Behavior (COM-B) model to identify barriers to medication adherence and the application of mobile health technology in adults with coronary heart disease: A qualitative study

• Published in: PEC innovation Vol. 3; p. 100209
• Main Authors: Park, Linda G., Ng, Fion, Handley, Margaret A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.12.2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Focus groups; Full length article; Medication adherence; Mobile applications; Mobile health; Qualitative research; Text messaging; Medication adherence; Qualitative research; Focus groups; Mobile applications; Text messaging; Mobile health
• ISSN: 2772-6282; 2772-6282
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100209

Among patients with coronary heart disease, we sought to address the research questions of: 1) What is the acceptability of applying a technology-enabled approach to support medication adherence?; and 2) What are barriers to medication adherence using the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation Behavior (COM-B) model as a guiding framework? Applying qualitative research methods, we employed a series of 3 focus groups per individual (total 9 sessions). Coded data from thematic analysis were mapped to the COM-B model components for meaningful associations. Fourteen participants were recruited (median age 69.5 ± 11, 50% female). Barriers to medication adherence were organized along these COM-B domains: psychological capability (forgetfulness, distractions, fear of side effects), physical opportunity (inaccessible medications, inability to renew prescriptions), reflective (burdening family members), and automatic motivation (medication fatigue, health decline). Tailored text messaging and mobile phone apps were perceived as helpful tools for medication adherence. The COM-B model was useful to provide a comprehensive, theory-driven evaluation of patients' beliefs and motivations on whether to engage in medication adherence. To date, text messaging and mobile applications have not been widely implemented in the clinical setting and provide a major opportunity to innovate on approaches to address medication adherence. •The COM-B model was an effective way to organize our understanding of a complex health behavior such as medication adherence.•Both organized along COM-B categories, the two major themes from this qualitative research were the use of technology for and barriers to medication adherence.•Participants with CHD believe text messages and mobile apps can help improve adherence to critical medications after ACS or PCI.