Factors affecting drug treatment compliance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

TUNCAY R., EKSIOGLU E., Cakir B., GURCAY E., CAKCI A.

RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, vol.27, no.8, pp.743-746, 2007 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 27 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00296-006-0299-9
  • Journal Name: RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.743-746
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

We prospectively examined 100 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to calculate drug compliance rates, characteristics of compliant and non-compliant patients, and changes in compliance over time. Three assessments were obtained over a one-year follow-up. Detailed drug history of RA and for concomitant disease was queried. Sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor values, Ritchie articular index, morning stiffness, and health assessment questionnaire were evaluated. Twenty-six patients (30.2%) were consistently compliant and 10 patients (11.6%) were consistently non-compliant. Older age was associated with a greater likelihood of compliance. Comparison of compliant and non-compliant groups revealed no statistically significant difference in distribution of gender, disease duration, and total number of pills taken for RA and/or total number of pills taken for any reason. In conclusion, compliance to drugs in RA patients is a common problem. Clinical and laboratory activity of RA had less influence on drug compliance. Older age is associated with a greater likelihood of compliance.