Disease knowledge and adherence to treatment in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.
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.
Hollman
Gunilla
G
Division of Nursing Science, Department of Medicine and Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden. gunho@imv.liu.se
Olsson
Anders G
AG
Ek
Anna-Christina
AC
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
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents