Treatment Adherence in MS: Does Objective MS Knowledge and MS Risk Knowledge Matter in Relation to Perceived Disease-Modifying Therapy Benefits?

INTRODUCTION

The effectiveness of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in managing MS has been established, although adherence is commonly difficult to achieve, which can undermine health outcomes. People with MS (pwMS) who perceive greater benefits from DMTs are more likely to report being adherent. This pilot study investigated the extent to which knowledge of MS and its risks contributes to this relationship. Knowledge is modifiable and may enhance adherence.

METHODS

Sixty-three pwMS were recruited through MS charity webpages and social media to take part in an anonymous online survey including validated measures of perceived adherence benefits, perceived MS susceptibility, MS knowledge, MS risk knowledge and self-reported treatment adherence.

RESULTS

In a hierarchical regression, greater perceived treatment adherence benefit was significantly associated with higher levels of self-reported adherence (B = 0.20, β = 0.27, t(59) = 2.16, p = 0.04). Interestingly, adding objective measures of MS knowledge F(2,61) = 0.96, p = 0.33) and subsequently MS risk knowledge (F(3,59) = 2.29, p = 0.14) did not significantly change variance in self-reported adherence.

CONCLUSION

An individual's subjective evaluation of DMT benefits seems to be a key driver in treatment adherence, possibly reflecting the individual and cultural context. Interventions which centre on patient perceived benefit may be more effective in supporting adherence.