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.
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Tuncay, R., Eksioglu, E., Cakir, B. et al. Factors affecting drug treatment compliance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 27, 743–746 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-006-0299-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-006-0299-9