OBJECTIVE: To describe the difficulties encountered by individuals with arterial coronary disease in monitoring the drug treatment. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study involving 100 adults interviewed in a public hospital, in Salvador-BA; the results were analyzed as percentages and averages. RESULTS: Men predominated, with an average age of 58.7±10.9 years, black skin color/ethnicity, low education and low income. Among the participants, 34% did not comply fully with the medical prescription because of economic conditions, forgetfulness and lack of guidance from health professionals. The purchase of at least one medication was made by 89%. Of the 81 individuals who had a prescription in the interview, 57 (70.4%) used five or more drugs daily; 67 (82.7%) did not know the name of all medicines, because: control was done by a family member, forgetfulness, difficulties to understand the prescription and, lack of a consulting habit. CONCLUSION: There was a low monitoring and understanding of prescribed medications. The socio-economic conditions and the unsatisfactory interdisciplinary approach seem to be the factors that explain the findings.
Coronary artery disease; Medication therapy management; Nursing care
