Association between rheumatology patients' beliefs about medicines and treatment adherence.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association between rheumatology patients' beliefs about medications and treatment adherence, along with related factors. METHOD: A descriptive design was employed. The study was conducted in the Rheumatology Polyclinic and Clinic in Türkiye, including 311 patients. Compliance Questionnaire on Rheumatology (CQR) and Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ-T) were used. RESULTS: Among participants, 72% were female, and the mean age was 47 years. Rheumatoid arthritis was the most frequent diagnosis (30.9%). The average BMQ score was 47.66 ± 9.58, and the average CQR score was 48.21 ± 5.55. All patients were found to be non-adherent. A statistically significant relationship was observed between BMQ and CQR scores (p < 0.05). CQR scores were higher among males and unemployed participants. Additionally, BMQ scores were significantly associated with marital status and medication use duration (p < 0.05). A moderate negative correlation was found between CQR and the BMQ-anxiety subdimension. CONCLUSION: Beliefs about medications significantly affect adherence. Increased anxiety concerning medication use is associated with lower treatment adherence.