Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Poor adherence to the disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) may attenuate clinical benefit. A better understanding of characteristics associated with non-adherence could improve outcomes.Objective
To evaluate characteristics associated with non-adherence to injectable DMTs.Methods
Consecutive patients from four Canadian MS Clinics were assessed at three time points over two years. Clinical and demographic information included self-reported DMT use, missed doses in the previous 30 days, health behaviors, and comorbidities. Non-adherence was defined as <80% of expected doses taken. We employed generalized estimating equations to examine characteristics associated with non-adherence at all time points with findings reported as adjusted odds ratios (OR).Results
In all, 485 participants reported use of an injectable DMT, of whom 107 (22.1%) were non-adherent over the study period. Non-adherence was associated with a lower Expanded Disability Status Scale score (0-2.5 vs 3.0-5.5, OR: 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-3.04), disease duration (⩽5 vs <5 years, OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.10-4.52), alcohol dependence (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.23-3.75), and self-reported cognitive difficulties, measured by the Health Utilities Index-3 (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.08-2.22).Conclusions
Nearly one-quarter of participants were non-adherent during the study. Alcohol dependence, perceived cognitive difficulties, longer disease duration, and mild disability status were associated with non-adherence. These characteristics may help healthcare professionals identify patients at greatest risk of poor adherence.
SUBMITTER: McKay KA
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5407504 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
McKay Kyla A KA Tremlett Helen H Patten Scott B SB Fisk John D JD Evans Charity C Fiest Kirsten K Campbell Trudy T Marrie Ruth Ann RA
Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) 20160711 4
<h4>Background</h4>Poor adherence to the disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) may attenuate clinical benefit. A better understanding of characteristics associated with non-adherence could improve outcomes.<h4>Objective</h4>To evaluate characteristics associated with non-adherence to injectable DMTs.<h4>Methods</h4>Consecutive patients from four Canadian MS Clinics were assessed at three time points over two years. Clinical and demographic information included self-repor ...[more]