1Post Doc Scholar, School of Sciences and Humanities (SR University); Assistant Professor, School of Law (Brainware University). ORCID: 0000-0001-7797-6309; Email: joydebajoy@gmail.com
2Assistant Professor, School of Sciences and Humanities, SR University, Warangal, Telangana, India. ORCID: 0009-0001-1610-6710; Email: itishreepanda033@gmail.com
3PhD Scholar, School of Law, Brainware University
4Senior Research Scholar, Sociology Department, Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, India
5Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, Brainware University, West Bengal, India
6Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, Brainware University, West Bengal, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Itishree Panda, Assistant Professor, School of Sciences and Humanities, SR University, Warangal, Telangana, India. Email: itishreepanda033@gmail.com
Patient compliance (or adherence) is a crucial determinant of therapeutic success in contemporary healthcare systems. In recent years, the emergence of advanced drug delivery systems (ADDS), including nanomedicine, targeted drug delivery, and digital adherence technologies, has significantly enhanced the efficiency and precision of medical treatment. These innovations aim to reduce dosage frequency, minimise side effects, and improve patient outcomes. However, despite their technological advantages, the social acceptance and practical utilisation of these systems remain uneven, particularly in developing countries like India. This paper examines the sociological dimensions of patient compliance and the acceptance of advanced drug delivery systems within the Indian context. Drawing on secondary data and existing literature, the study highlights that compliance is not merely a clinical issue but is deeply embedded in social structures and cultural practices. Key social determinants such as educational level, socio-economic status, cultural beliefs, family support systems, and accessibility to healthcare services play a significant role in shaping patients' attitudes and behaviours toward medication adherence. The study further argues that technological innovation alone cannot ensure improved health outcomes unless it is accompanied by broader social acceptance and behavioural adaptation. Issues such as lack of awareness, economic constraints, digital divide, and trust deficits often hinder the effective adoption of advanced drug delivery technologies. Therefore, integrating sociological insights with biomedical advancements is essential for achieving equitable and sustainable healthcare outcomes in India.
Keywords: Patient compliance, drug delivery systems, medical sociology, India, health inequality, social determinants
How to cite this article: Patra J, Panda I, Raha S, Kar H, Das S, Bhattacharya R. Patient Compliance and the Social Acceptance of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems: Special Reference from India. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(12s): 45-55. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.12s.7
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None