The Effect of Self-infusion and Patient Education on Treatment Compliance in Hemophilia Patients

Abstract

Objective: Problematic compliance to treatment regimens is a current issue in the treatment of hemophilia. These problems have been widely reported. We aimed to investigate the effect of self-infusion and patient education on treatment compliance in hemophilia patients. Method: A questionnaire developed by Hemophilia Federation was sent to Hemophilia and von Willebrand (vWH) patients who participated in the Workshop of Hemophilia Federation in 2019. Within fifteen days, patients were asked to answer the questionnaires, and survey data were evaluated by appropriate statistical methods. Results: Patients with diagnosis of severe hemophilia A (n=74), severe hemophilia B (n=20) and vWH (n=3) were included in the survey study. Patients were participated from six different regions of Turkey. Eight patients could not complete secondary education. Sixty patients completed or continued their secondary education. 29 of them were graduated from a university. Sixty-four patients were complaint and 33 patients noncomplaint to the treatment. The treatment compliance rate was 66%. No significant relationship was found between the educational status and treatment compliance of the patients (p=0.516). The median ages of treatment-compliant, and noncompliant patients were 21.5, and 20.6 years, respectively (p=0.015). There was no statistically significant relationship between treatment compliance and selfinfusion, self-infusion learning source and longevity of internet usage. Conclusion: The success in the follow-up and treatment of chronic diseases such as hemophilia is enhanced by the training of the physicians and other health personnel, as well as the education level of patients and their relatives.