Satisfaction, fulfillment of expectations and adherence to subcutaneous biological drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: ARCO study.
OBJECTIVES
In the ARCO study, adherence to subcutaneous biological agents by patients with rheumatoid arthritis improved with monthly administration. We assess whether adherence can be related to fulfillment of expectations and satisfaction with treatment.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Adherence was assessed by calculating the Medication Possession Ratio, and satisfaction and fulfillment of expectations using the «EXPRESAR» group questionnaire.


RESULTS
In 346 patients, those who were satisfied/very satisfied with efficacy and tolerability were ≥80% and 64.4%, with no differences between weekly, biweekly or monthly administration regimens. Regarding the fulfillment of expectations, 59.9% considered the effect of the treatment greater than expected and 52.6% reported lower/much lower than expected discomfort; the latter percentage was higher in patients with monthly administration (P=.049). The percentages for nonadherence were 15.6% (discomfort greater than expected), 18.5% (expected discomfort) and 11.1% (lower than expected or no discomfort) (P=.189).


CONCLUSIONS
Satisfaction and fulfillment of expectations were high. Fulfillment of expectations of tolerability was better with monthly administration, which could contribute to better adherence.
['Calvo-Alén|Jaime|J|', 'Vela|Paloma|P|', 'Bustabad|Sagrario|S|', 'Maceiras|Francisco|F|', 'Carmona|Loreto|L|', 'Cea-Calvo|Luis|L|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D018501:Antirheumatic Agents D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid D001688:Biological Products D004334:Drug Administration Schedule D005260:Female D006801:Humans D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous D008297:Male D055118:Medication Adherence D008875:Middle Aged D009042:Motivation D017060:Patient Satisfaction D012189:Retrospective Studies D055815:Young Adult
Expectations Adherence Biological drugs Rheumatoid arthritis Adherencia Artritis reumatoide Expectativas Fármacos biológicos