Level of adherence to treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in a reference center

Abstract

Introduction: systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs. Appropriate treatment decreases the risk of organ injury or its progression in those who already have organic involvement.

Objectives: determine the level of adherence of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus of patients who consult at the National Hospital, Itauguá, period 2022 from January to March.

Methods: It was an observational, descriptive, prospective study. A survey was conducted using a validated questionnaire for rheumatic diseases. All patients who consulted during the study period were included.

Results: the sample consisted of 100 patients, 96% were female, the average age was 35 years. 48% comes from the interior and the rest from the central department. The time of evolution of the disease in most is 1 to 5 years. 47% have other comorbidities, the most frequent being arterial hypertension. The adherence level was 68%. The presence of comorbidity is related to adherence (p <0.05), however, source of employment, monthly income, health insurance, age, children, follow-up and the number of medications did not have statistical significance for adherence (p >0.05).

Conclution: the sample was composed of young patients of childbearing age, most of them female. The level of adherence to treatment in our center was 68% and the presence of comorbidities is associated with better adherence.