Analysis of adherence to oral antineoplastic therapy of patients treated at an oncology service in the state of Piauí

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate adherence to oral antineoplastic agents (OAAs) in cancer patients treated at  oncology service in the state of Piauí, and to describe their clinical and sociodemographic profiles. Methods: This is a prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative study conducted with 60 cancer patients undergoing oral chemotherapy between November 2024 and April 2025. Data were collected through structured interviews using a proprietary questionnaire and the EXPAD-ANEO Scale. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Excel and SPSS software, with a 5% significance level. Results: There was a predominance of female participants (93.3%), with the most frequent age group being 40 to 49 years (46.6%). Breast cancer was the most common tumor site (91.7%), and most treatments were adjuvant (91.7%). Treatment adherence was high (85.0%), with a mean score of 6.81 ± 0.47 on the EXPAD-ANEO Scale. The main barriers to adherence were related to beliefs about the superior efficacy of intravenous treatments and the omission of doses during episodes of discomfort. Conclusion: The high adherence rate observed highlights the potential of OAAs when supported by appropriate clinical guidance. However, challenges related to patient beliefs and side effects persist, reinforcing the need for continuous educational strategies to sustain treatment success.