Patients' concerns regarding biological agents in rheumatology

Date
2018Author
Pehlivan, YavuzOrucoglu, Nurdan
Pehlivan, Seda
Kimyon, Gezmis
Zengin, Orhan
Kucuk, Adem
Sahin, Ali
Tomas, Nazmiye
Oksuz, Mustafa Ferhat
Kisacik, Bunyamin
Akar, Servet
Onat, Ahmet Mesut
Dalkilic, Ediz
Metadata
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ObjectiveThe potential side effects of biological agents may increase the anxiety levels of patients and influence not only their desire to use these therapies but also their concordance to treatment. This study aimed to determine the level and prevalence of drug-related concern in patients treated with biological agents and to acquire additional information regarding the related causes. Materials and MethodsA total of 1134 patients who were using biological agents for at least 3months with a diagnosis of rheumatic diseases were enrolled. General anxiety levels were evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). ResultsThe most common cause for drug-related concerns was the potential side effects of the drugs (59.5%). Among the potential side effects, cancer risk was the most common cause for concern (40.1%), followed by the risk of tuberculosis activation (30.7%). Anxiety levels were higher in patients who experienced side effects than in other patients, and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). STAI trait and state scores were moderately correlated with anxiety levels related to the drug (P<0.001). ConclusionAnxiety related to biological agents may significantly affect the patients' anxiety levels. Awareness regarding the patients' concerns and expectations related to the drug is important to ensure drug adherence and concordance to treatment.
Source
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASESVolume
21Issue
6Collections
- Makale Koleksiyonu [5200]
- Makale Koleksiyonu [5745]
- Öksüz Yayınlar Koleksiyonu - WoS [6162]