Adherence Patterns to Medications and Their Association with Subsequent Hospitalization in Adult Egyptian Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This study evaluated medication adherence and its impact on hospitalization rates among 161 Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Using the 19-item Compliance Questionnaire of Rheumatology (CQR), patients were classified into non-adherent (93) and adherent (68) groups. Significant differences were found in marital status, employment, and physical activity between the groups. Adherents had higher antimalarial use and fewer clinical symptoms like recurrent fever, lymphadenopathy, oral ulcers, and substantial hair loss. Adherents also had more outpatient visits but fewer hospitalizations. Non-adherents felt that medications disrupted their daily routine and feared adverse drug reactions. The study highlights a high rate of medication non-adherence among Egyptian SLE patients, which is strongly associated with increased hospitalization and clinical symptoms.