Longitudinal patterns of statin adherence and factors associated with decline in over one million individuals in Finland and Italy

12/2026

Longitudinal patterns of statin adherence and factors associated with decline in over one million individuals in Finland and Italy

Monday 2nd February 2026

Corbetta A; Logan K.M.; Ferro M; Zuccolo L; Perola M.; Ganna A.; Di Angelantionio E.;Ieva F.

Medication adherence is critical for effective management of chronic diseases and reducing healthcare burdens. Statins, commonly prescribed for cardiovascular disease prevention, require sustained, lifelong adherence, yet maintaining long-term adherence remains a significant challenge. Here, we analysed longitudinal population-wide electronic health records from over one million statin users in Finland and Italy to characterise adherence trajectories and their determinants. Using functional data analysis, we identified five distinct adherence patterns, with consistently high adherence being the most prevalent across both populations. Younger age, socioeconomic vulnerability, and statin use for primary prevention were consistently associated with a higher risk of declining adherence over time. Sex differences were observed in Italy but not in Finland, where divorced status and health-related educational background were also associated with declining adherence. Despite differences in healthcare systems, several factors were consistent across countries. These findings point to common behavioural drivers of long-term statin use and suggest that targeted, population-level interventions could better sustain adherence over time.

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Medarxiv