Association between use of rapid antigen detection tests and adherence to antibiotics in suspected streptococcal pharyngitis.
OBJECTIVE
Few studies have analysed adherence to antibiotic treatment in pharyngitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) and treatment adherence among patients 18 years of age or over with pharyngitis treated with different antibiotic regimens.


METHODS
Prospective study from 2003 to 2008.


METHODS
Office-based physician practices. Intervention. The adherence of patients prior to the use of RADTs - no test was available until mid-2006 - was compared with the adherence associated with the use of RADTs.


METHODS
Patients with suspected streptococcal pharyngitis.


METHODS
Patient adherence was assessed by electronic monitoring. The adherence outcomes considered were antibiotic-taking adherence, correct dosing, and good timing adherence during at least 80% of the antibiotic course.


RESULTS
A total of 196 patients were recruited. The percentage of container openings was 77.9%+/-17.7%, being significantly higher for patients in whom the RADTs were performed compared with those in whom this test was not undertaken (80.1% vs. 70.8% for thrice-daily antibiotic regimens and 88.1% vs. 76.5% for twice-daily regimens; p < 0.01). The other variables of adherence were also better among patients undergoing RADT in both those who took at least 80% of the pills (71.3% vs. 42.2%; p < 0.001) as well as those with good timing adherence (52.5% vs. 32.8%; p < 0.01). Furthermore, correct dosing was always greater when the patient had undergone an RADT.


CONCLUSIONS
Adherence to antibiotic treatment is higher when an RADT is carried out at the consultation prior to administration of antibiotic treatment.
Llor
Carl
C
Primary Care Centre Jaume I, Tarragona, University Rovira i Virgili, Spain. carles.llor@urv.cat
Hernández
Silvia
S
Sierra
Nuria
N
Moragas
Ana
A
Hernández
Marta
M
Bayona
Carolina
C
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000097:blood*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial