Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of medication nonadherence among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Sichuan.
Patients and methods
A cross-sectional investigation was performed. Participants were recruited by consecutive sampling from the Rheumatic Clinic of a university hospital between June and September 2016. Patients’ self-reported medication adherence was assessed by the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Additional surveys included patients’ demographics, and clinical and treatment characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of medication nonadherence.
Results
A total of 140 patients were included in analysis. The percentage of patients classified as nonadherent to medication was 75%. Low education, rural residency, childlessness, limited comprehension of medication instructions, side effects experienced, dissatisfaction with treatment and better physical health were associated with an increased risk of nonadherence.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated a high prevalence of medication nonadherence among SLE patients in Sichuan, and factors associated with the nonadherence are multifaceted. Interventions for these factors, such as appropriate adjustment of the service resources for patients with rheumatic disease in rural communities and improved communication between the health care providers and the patients, may contribute to improve the medication adherence of this cohort.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank all patients for sincerely completing our investigation and staff at the Rheumatic Clinic of West China Hospital Sichuan University for supporting this study. Use of the ©MMAS is protected by US copyright laws. Permission for use is required. A license agreement is available from Donald E. Morisky, ScD, ScM, MSPH, 14725 NE 20th St Bellevue, WA 98007, USA; [email protected]. They also thank Dr Morisky for giving them permission to use the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.