Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy

Keywords

Medication Adherence, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Primary Caregivers, Pharmacists, Sensory Sensitivities, Behavioral Resistance, Medication Administration, Socioeconomic Burdens

Abstract

Medication adherence, defined as the extent to which patients consistently adhere to prescribed medication regimens, is critical for achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes. However, ensuring adherence for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents a persistent challenge due to their unique behavioral, sensory, and communication difficulties. On top of this, understanding primary caregivers' strategies and pharmacists' roles in managing these challenges remains limited, particularly within the Philippine context. This qualitative study addressed this gap by conducting in-depth interviews with six (6) primary caregivers of children aged 7–14 with ASD in Cavite. Using purposive and snowball sampling, data were thematically analyzed with the World Health Organization’s Five Dimensions of Adherence framework. Key findings indicated that adherence was significantly influenced by patient-related sensory sensitivities and behavioral resistance, challenges in medication administration, socioeconomic burdens impacting affordability and access, and inconsistent healthcare system support. The caregivers reported employing resourceful strategies, such as medication stocking and cultivating child self-awareness, to support adherence; however, they consistently perceived pharmacist involvement as largely limited to dispensing, noting a significant absence of ASD-specific support. These findings stress the caregivers' central role and highlight an urgent need to enhance pharmacists’ capacity through specialized training, multidisciplinary integration, and targeted support (e.g., personalized consultations and improved medication palatability) to optimize medication management for children with ASD.

First Advisor

Francesca Marie B. Manansala, RPh

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