Factors Affecting Adherence of Medication for Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematous

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem, autoimmune disease, it affect
all organ systems or tissues, involvement of the skin, joints, central nervous system, and kidneys are
among the most frequent manifestations. SLE is a chronic disease, the patients are generally treated
with long-term regimens or even life-long immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive medications.
Adhering to medications can be a challenge for patients with SLE. Objectives: This study aimed to
identify the factors affecting adherence of medication for patients with systemic lupus erythematous.
Setting: The study was conducted at the Blood Disease and Immunology inpatient Department of
Alexandria Main University Hospital and the affiliated Outpatient Clinic. Subjects: This study
comprised a convenience sample of 60 adult patients of both sexes and diagnosed with systemic
lupus erythematous. Tools: three tools were used Tool I: Patient’s Sociodemographic
Characteristics , clinical data & Patient's Knowledge Structured Interview Schedule .Tool II
Korean Version of the Hill-Bone Medication Adherence Subscale (HBMA-K) ,and tool III : Factors
Affecting SLE patients' Adherence to medications checklist. Results: The study result revealed that
more than half of studied patients had fair knowledge level regarding SLE. More than half of
studied patients had low adherence to SLE medication, finally the patient related factors were the
most factors affecting the adherence level on other hand Condition-related factors rated the lowest
factors affecting the adherence level . Conclusion: this study revealed that more than half of the
studied patient with SLE were low level adherence to their medications, and more than half of them
had poor knowledge related to SLE disease. In addition to it was found that patient related factors
are most factors affect medications adherence for SLE. Recommendations Develop and apply an
educational sessions in order to improve patients knowledge regarding the SLE disease and
consequence of non adherence with medication. provide communication between the healthcare
provider and the patient, as well as simpler prescription regimens, to enhance medication adherence.