FACTORS EFFECTING AND COMPLIANCE WITH DRUG TREATMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS USING BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the factors effecting and compliance with drug treatments in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using biological agents. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 85 RA patients who applied to the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic of a Research and Practice Hospital of a university between March 15 and June 15, 2021. Data were obtained with the “Patient Description Form”, “VAS Score” and “Modified Moriksy Scale”. Data analysis was performed with descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman Correlation test. 67.1% of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis participating in the study were female, the mean age was 54.92±12.12, and the mean duration of drug use was 35.08±42.71. The mean score of the motivation level, which is the sub-dimension of the Modified Moriksy Scale, was 1.82±1.05, the mean score of the knowledge level was 2.21±0.87, the mean VAS resting score was 5.28±2.60, and the mean VAS activity score was 5.45±2.53. It was determined that age, education, marital status, employment status, income status, presence of diabetes, forgetfulness, duration of drug use, and drug box use affect the motivation level of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, while forgetfulness and difficulties in using drugs affect the level of knowledge. It has been determined that there are many positive and negative factors affecting the adherence to treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In order to increase compliance with treatment, it is recommended to identify the problems of patients with drugs, to make arrangements for this and to create training programs.