Hospital Practices and Research

Medication Adherence to the Pharmacological Treatment and Health Literacy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Tuba Erdem Sultanoğlu

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Düzce University, Düzce, Turkey

https://doi.org/10.30491/hpr.2024.462336.1433
Abstract
Background: Treatment adherence is a critical factor in controlling symptoms and determining the success of treatment in chronic disease management.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between health literacy levels and adherence to pharmacological treatment in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 196 patients. The mean age of participants was 47.35 ± 15.95 years. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Health literacy levels were assessed using the Türkiye Health Literacy-32 (THL-32) Scale. Medication adherence to the pharmacological treatment was assessed using the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS).
Results: THL-32 and MARS scores were compared according to the demographic characteristics, and a significant difference was found between the education level and place of residence groups. A multivariate regression model was used to assess the connection between them. Health literacy was found to be 3.88 times higher in urban areas compared to rural areas, 4.12 times higher in those with high school education compared to primary school, and 4.39 times higher in those with higher education compared to other levels. In terms of medication adherence, it was found to be 4.18 times higher in urban areas compared to rural areas, 3.1 times higher in those with high school education compared to primary school, and 3.6 times higher in those with higher education compared to other levels.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that health literacy is positively associated with medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These findings highlight the importance of focusing on health literacy to improve adherence to treatment. Health professionals should prioritize enhancing health literacy to support better disease self-management and treatment outcomes.

Keywords

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Health Literacy
Medication Adherance
Chronic Disease
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Hospital Practices and Research
Volume 9, Issue 2 - Serial Number 34
Spring 2024
Pages 456-461

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