Glucocorticoids (GCs) are still considered a crucial treatment for various rheumatic diseases due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, despite concerns about potential long-term adverse effects. However, many patients have negative perceptions of GCs, which can limit their acceptance as a treatment and adversely affect adherence and compliance. A recent study assessed perceptions and beliefs of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) regarding their prescribed GCs and the effect of these beliefs on adherence to treatment.
The study found that GCs were perceived as harmful and of low benefit by control subjects, as a beneficial drug by SLE patients, and with significantly higher harm scores by RA patients. Most SLE and RA patients were non-adherent. Patients with higher harm perception were less likely to be adherent, and socioeconomic status and dose of GCs affected perception of necessity vs. concern. The number of currently used disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs was associated with increased perception of high necessity.
The study highlights the importance of improving patients’ perceptions of GCs in order to improve adherence and compliance to treatment. Shared decision-making between healthcare workers and patients is important for ensuring patients’ understanding of their disease and available treatment options, which can ultimately lead to better disease control and outcomes.
To read more, Click here – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110116423000108
Sources: Abdelrahman, Walaa, Arwa Al-Shaarawy, and Bassel El-Zorkany. “Influence of perception of glucocorticoids on compliance of treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.” The Egyptian Rheumatologist 45.2 (2023): 159-164.
