Factors affecting adherence and patient satisfaction with treatment: a cross-sectional study of 500 patients with acne vulgaris.

Background

Acne Vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease that requires long-term treatment. Adherence to treatment is a problem in chronic diseases and may affect treatment outcomes.

Objective

We aim to investigate treatment adherence and satisfaction of patients with acne and identify independent factors that affect them.

Methods

Five hundred patients with acne were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Severity of acne was assessed using the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) scale, and a five-point Likert scale was used to assess patients' satisfaction and adherence.

Results

Adherence to treatment was poor in 64.4% of the patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that using oral isotretinoin (OR: 4.1, 95% CI 2.44-6.92, p < .001) and satisfaction with treatment (OR: 2.1, 95% CI 1.31-3.43, p = .002) were independent factors that affect adherence in patients. 51.8% of the patients were satisfied with their treatments and treatment satisfaction was higher in females (OR: 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.8, p = .004) and patients using oral isotretinoin (OR: 14.8, 95% CI 9.4-23.2, p < .001).

Conclusions

Treatment adherence is poor among patients with acne. Identifying the factor that affects adherence may help the dermatologist recognize non-adherent patients and develop strategies to improve adherence.