Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE AND PRESCRIPTION PATTERN IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS

Dr. Mitta Sandeep Goud*, Laiba Tazeen and Kodimalla Divya

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Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of multiple joints, and Osteoarthritis (OA) is progressive degenerative condition of joints. An increasing trend has been observed in the incidence and prevalence of RA and OA, and by analysing the Drug usage pattern among RA and OA patients, this study is expected to improve awareness of Rational prescribing. Proper adherence to medication is crucial for improved outcomes in RA. Aims: This study was performed to determine the prevalence, incidence, and drug prescribing patterns in RA and OA patients and to assess the medication adherence in RA patients. Materials and Methods: A Prospective Observational study was carried out at Naresh Arthritis and Rheumatism Centre, Hanamkonda, for six months. The data collection form consists of the patient demographic details, treatment charts and MMAS-8 scale. Results: Among the total study population of 603 patients with RA and OA, 504 (84%) and 99 (16%) were diagnosed with RA and OA respectively. The prevalence of both RA and OA was highest in females than in males. The commonly prescribed drug classes in RA were DMARDS (100%), NSAIDS (86.66%), CORTICOSTEROIDS (80.5%), VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS (80%) while in OA were NSAIDS (86%), VIT-D3 AND CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS (19.34%), and OPIOID ANALGESICS (14%). In RA, 75% of patients were non-adherent to their medication. Conclusion: There was a significantly higher disease prevalence of RA (3:1) and OA (1.3:1) in women than in men. The mostly prescribed drug categories were DMARDS and NSAIDS, respectively. Significantly low medication adherence (75%) was found in RA.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Prescribing pattern, Medication adherence.