A Systematic Review of Factors Affecting Intended and Actual Adherence with Antiviral Medication as Treatment or Prophylaxis in Seasonal and Pandemic

The authors reviewed literature published through 2015 to identify factors influencing adherence to antivirals as prophylaxis or treatment for influenza, both seasonal and pandemic. The incidence of adverse side effects was the most common predictor of actual and intended adherence. Other predictive factors include knowledge about influenza risk factors, risk perceptions on the severity of and vulnerability to the outbreak, and beliefs about side effects or effectiveness of pharmaceuticals. These findings can inform both conversations between providers and individual patients and the development of public risk communication campaigns.