ABSTRACT
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative a degenerative joint disease characterised by progressive and irreversible loss of articular cartilage leading to joint pain, inflammation and dysfunction (Martel - Pelletier et al., 2008). Medication adherence is defined by the World Health Organisation as the extent to which a patient’s behaviour corresponds with the agreed recommendations from a health care provider. Adherence to medications in chronic conditions, including Osteoarthritis is often low (Osterberg et al., 2005).
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of adherence to osteoarthritis medications and medication knowledge among osteoarthritis patients at the Orthopedic and Rheumatology departments, University of Benin Teaching Hospital. This study also aimed to determine the relationship between medication knowledge, patient demographic characteristics and the level of adherence to osteoarthritis medication.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics and Rheumatology, UBTH, Benin City. Data was collected from 315 patients receiving care and management of their OA either directly from the patients or from their care givers.Adherence was measured by using the Medication Compliance Questionnaire that consists of a total of seven questions. All responses were recorded and analyzed.
Results: A total of 315 patients between the ages of 30 and 75 participated in this study. Out of the 315 participants, 32.4% were male and 67.6% female. Only 35.6% of patients were adherent to their medications. Factors such as; Level of education, occupation, monthly income, Duration of OA and medication knowledge had influence on the level of medication adherence. Patients who achieved tertiary level of education had higher level of adherence (21.6%) with their medications compared to other groups. Patients who were self-employed had a higher level of medication adherence (15.2%) compared to other groups. Patients who had OA for less than 5 years had a higher level of medication adherence (23.5%) compared with other groups. Patients with higher level of medication knowledge (>75%) had a far higher degree of adherence to their medications (33.3%).
Conclusion: There was poor Level of adherence to medications among osteoarthritis Patients (35.6%). Factors such as; Level of education, occupation, monthly income, Duration of OA and medication knowledge had significant influence on the level of medication adherence.
Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Adherence, Factors, medication.
