Self-reported compliance with osteoporosis medication-qualitative aspects and correlates.
OBJECTIVE
The analysis aims to assess (1) compliance with anti-osteoporosis pharmacotherapy and (2) the prevalence of calcium and vitamin D co-medication among Czech women in common clinical practice.


METHODS
A cross-sectional multicentre questionnaire survey was performed in consecutive secondary care female patients aged > or =40 years. Three main dimensions of compliance were studied: drug compliance (based on missed doses over the last month), co-medication with calcium/vitamin D and compliance with dosing instructions for safe and effective use of bisphosphonates (BIS).


RESULTS
The therapy in 200 osteoporosis patients was alendronate (44.5%), risedronate (24.5%), raloxifene (18%) and calcitonin (13%). The three dimensions of compliance were not associated with each other. None of the compliance-related outcomes correlated with the osteoporosis knowledge score obtained in the Osteoporosis Questionnaire (OPQ) of Pande et al. The most frequently reported reason for non-compliance was "drug not handy". Similar mean compliance rates were achieved with once daily and once weekly BIS. The rates of current calcium and vitamin D co-medication were 73% and 62%, respectively. Calcium co-medication was associated with obtaining information on medications against osteoporosis from other sources besides health care professionals (P = 0.038). Compliance with dosing instructions correlated negatively with age (P = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Compliance with osteoporosis medication in Czech women is suboptimal, in particular the prevalence of co-medication with calcium/vitamin D should be higher. It is needed to implement strategies focused on the patient's beliefs about the disease and perceptions of outcome rather than those promoting the knowledge alone.
Vytrisalova
Magda
M
Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. magda.vytrisalovafaf.cuni.cz
Blazkova
Sarka
S
Palicka
Vladimir
V
Vlcek
Jiri
J
Cejkova
Marketa
M
Hala
Tomas
T
Pavelka
Karel
K
Koblihova
Helena
H
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002118:Calcium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018153:Czech Republic; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium