Determinants of compliance with medication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the importance of self-efficacy expectations

In this study we examine which factors are related to compliance with medication in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients: persons suffering recently developed, active RA, who cooperated in a randomized study on the effect of patient education. We analyzed the relation between adherence to Sulphasalazine therapy and personal factors, environmental influences, demographic factors, disease-related factors, and barriers to compliance. Moreover, a logistical regression analysis was performed on these factors, considering greater than or equal to 80% a high compliance, both with compliance as dependent factor. Only self-efficacy correlated with compliance (r = 0.58; P < 0.001). The logistical regression analysis identified self-efficacy as the only factor determining greater than or equal to 80% adherence (P = 0.01). Self-efficacy regarding the use of prescribed medication is related to compliance with this treatment. Further study is needed to determine the test characteristics of self-efficacy as a predictor for compliance with medication. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.