title: Disease knowledge and adherence to treatment in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is one of the most common genetic metabolic disorders and is associated with a high risk of premature coronary heart disease. Primary prevention directed at lifestyle changes, combined with preventive medical treatment, is the most important way to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in individuals with FH. Knowledge about the condition and adherence to drug treatment may facilitate reaching treatment goals.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to describe disease knowledge and adherence to treatment in patients with FH.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-four patients, more than 18 years of age, with FH were asked to participate. A questionnaire on disease knowledge about FH and adherence to drug treatment was sent to the patients. Response rate was 92% (n = 68). Drug treatment, laboratory results, blood pressure, and smoking were also documented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most patients knew about cholesterol, prevention, and the reason for drug treatment but were less informed about the risk of genetic transmission and family history. No significant correlation was found between knowledge and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. A significant, negative correlation between adherence and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was found (r = -.354, P < .01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with FH had scant understanding about the risk of genetic transmission and family history. High adherence to drug prescription has significant correlation to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nursing Science, Department of Medicine and Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden. gunho@imv.liu.se
authors.forename: Gunilla
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hollman
authors.forename: Anders G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Olsson
authors.forename: Anna-Christina
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Ek
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006938:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012648:Self Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013548:Sweden; D014973:Xanthomatosis / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents