title: Determinants of patient compliance in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Noncompliance to the prescribed therapeutic regimen is a worldwide problem, especially for diseases in which symptoms can vary with different patient factors and with seasons. The consequences are poor health outcomes, progression of disease and increased healthcare costs. Reviews conducted across countries and addressing different diseases are consistent in estimating noncompliance between 30 and 50%. To implement strategies and interventions that enhance compliance, a comprehensive analysis of its determinants is essential.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lack of efficacy was reported as the number one reason for discontinuing the intake of medications prescribed for nasal allergies. Studies on glucocorticosteroids, allergen-specific immunotherapy and antihistamines highlighted the importance of patient education, demographic factors, duration of therapy, side-effects and treatment costs, as well as minor details, such as taste and odour, in improving compliance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The variation in the methodologies used and the durations of treatments assessed in current compliance research in the field of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis decreases the comparability of results. Therefore, a clear definition of compliance measured in clinical trials with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis sufferers is needed. Moreover, a gold standard for measuring and reporting compliance should be determined to enable better interstudy comparability of the rates and determinants of compliance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Economics and Healthcare Management, Schumpeter School of Business and Economics, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany. koeberlein@wiwi.uni-wuppertal.de
authors.forename: Juliane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Köberlein
authors.forename: Anna C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Kothe
authors.forename: Corinna
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schaffert
mesh_terms: D003231:Conjunctivitis; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D018450:Disease Progression; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000191:economics / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017211:Treatment Failure
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006633:Histamine Antagonists