Factors affecting medication beliefs among patients newly prescribed oral oncolytic agents

Background Prescribing oral oncolytic agents (OAs) for advanced cancers is increasing. Aims To explore changes in medication beliefs and the effects of symptom severity, cognitive effectiveness and depressive symptoms on medication beliefs over 12 weeks. Methods Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, testing an intervention to promote symptom management and adherence [N = 230]. Questionnaires evaluated medication beliefs, symptom severity, depressive symptoms, and cognitive effectiveness. Linear mixed effects models were used for analyses. Results OA Necessity beliefs increased over time (mean difference 0.0112, SE = 0.055, p 0.04). Concern beliefs did not change and were lower for advanced cancers (-0.193, SE = 0.067, p < 0.01).Depressive symptoms were related to decreased Necessity beliefs (-0.012, SE = 0.005, p = 0.02), but not Concern beliefs. Medication beliefs were not associated with symptom severity or cognitive effectiveness. Conclusion Patients with advanced cancer hold different medication beliefs compared to earlier staged cancers, lending insight into potential outcomes beyond adherence.