Patient-Physician Communication and Treatment Adherence in Chronic Disease Management at Family Medicine Clinics in Enugu State

Background: Effective patient-physician communication is a cornerstone of chronic disease management and is strongly linked to treatment adherence and health outcomes. This study examines the relationship between patient-physician communication quality and treatment adherence among patients with chronic conditions at family medicine clinics in Enugu State, South East geopolitical zone. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 300 patients with hypertension or diabetes using systematic sampling across six family medicine clinics. The Communication Assessment Tool evaluated patient perceptions of physician communication quality. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Structural equation modelling explored direct and mediated pathways. Results: Communication quality was significantly associated with medication adherence independent of disease duration, polypharmacy, and health literacy. Information provision and shared decision-making subscales were the strongest predictors. Patients who felt their concerns were adequately addressed demonstrated twice the odds of high adherence. Conclusion: Investment in patient-physician communication skills is a cost-effective strategy for improving treatment adherence in chronic disease management in Enugu State. Family medicine training curricula should include structured communication skills modules, and patient satisfaction with communication should be routinely assessed. Keywords: patient-physician communication, treatment adherence, chronic disease, Enugu, family medicine