Determinants of compliance with medication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the importance of self-efficacy expectations.
In this study we examine which factors are related to compliance with medication in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


METHODS
persons suffering recently developed, active RA, who cooperated in a randomized study on the effect of patient education. We analyzed the relation between adherence to Sulphasalazine therapy and personal factors, environmental influences, demographic factors, disease-related factors, and barriers to compliance. Moreover, a logistical regression analysis was performed on these factors, considering > or = 80% a high compliance, both with compliance as dependent factor. Only self-efficacy correlated with compliance (r = 0.58; P < 0.001). The logistical regression analysis identified self-efficacy as the only factor determining > or = 80% adherence (P = 0.01). Self-efficacy regarding the use of prescribed medication is related to compliance with this treatment. Further study is needed to determine the test characteristics of self-efficacy as a predictor for compliance with medication.
Brus
H
H
Department of Rheumatology Twenteborg Ziekenhuis, Almelo, The Netherlands.
van de Laar
M
M
Taal
E
E
Rasker
J
J
Wiegman
O
O
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012646:Self Administration / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D012460:Sulfasalazine