This paper synthesizes findings from available research about medication adherence to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the population with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
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.
Further research is necessary to develop a comprehensive, theoretically based understanding of medication adherence in RA patients.