Adherence to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a narrative review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
This paper synthesizes findings from available research about medication adherence to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the population with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


RESULTS
This review of literature included 35 articles. Medication adherence to DMARDs ranged from 30% to 107%. Adherence rates of more than 100% indicated that patients took more than the prescribed amount of medication. There were no consistent risk factors for nonadherence to DMARD prescriptions identified, but some evidence was provided for self-efficacy, patient-healthcare provider relationships, social support, patient beliefs about medications, and age as factors affecting medication adherence. Support for educational interventions focused on medication adherence was equivocal.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is necessary to develop a comprehensive, theoretically based understanding of medication adherence in RA patients.
Salt
Elizabeth
E
College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
Frazier
Susan K
SK
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D020377:Self Efficacy; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha