Patterns of drug use and factors affecting adherence to medication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A prospective, observational, hospital- based study

Abstract

Introduction: RA affecting ~ 1% of the world population, is associated with high level of non-adherence in clinical practice. The adherence to RA treatment therapy is affected by multiple factors. The present study evaluated the factors affecting adherence to medications among RA patients. Methodology: The prospective study was conducted from April 2014 to March 2015. Male and female subjects, aged ≥18 years, and diagnosed with RA were included in the study. Demographic data, disease- and treatment-related data, adverse event profile and investigation data were obtained from all the participants. Adherence to medication of the subjects was measured using adherence questionnaire. All the subjects were followed up at one month and at the end of 6 months. McNemar’s test was used to analyse the difference in adherence from baseline to follow up. All the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS statistical software, version 17.0. Results: The study included 124 subjects, with a male to female ratio of 0.25:1, mean age of 45 years and RA duration of 5 years. Mono and combination drug therapies were used in 59.1% and 41.9% of the subjects respectively. Methotrexate was the most frequently used drug as a part of the regimen (82.3%). Among the subjects, 88 (71%) were found to be adherent. The comparison of various factors revealed significant difference only for the duration of RA (P 0.04). Conclusion: The adherence to antirheumatic medications among RA patients remains moderate and factors such as rural residence and older age (>45 years) can be associated with good adherence to RA medication. The study also corroborates the previous literature evidence suggesting methotrexate as the commonly used drug for managing RA.