Background:

As in other chronic problems, the approach of the patient with osteoarthritis tends to a shared decision-making model, in which the patient’s point of view must be considered in the choice of treatment. The objetive was to evaluate treatment satisfaction in patients with osteoarthritis and to verify if there are differences between different pharmacological options, as well as to determine if there is any association with functional status and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a sample of 487 patients selected by consecutive sampling. The main variable was the level of satisfaction with the treatment (ARTS questionnaire). The functional status of the patients was assessed using the WOMAC scale. Other variables considered were: treatment characteristics, therapeutic adherence, adverse events, and clinical and sociodemographic variables.

Results:

In the ARTS questionnaire the patients, in a range between 28 and 87, obtained an average score of 65.3 (SD: 9.9). The score was not significantly different in consumers of 1, 2 or more drugs. Among those who consumed only one drug, there were no differences between the different drug types. In the functional state, an average score of 30.2 points (SD: 20.8) was obtained and a weak negative correlation was observed with the level of satisfaction (r= -0.252; p <0.001). Multiple linear regression showed a higher score on the ARTS scale (p <0.05) in patients with lower WOMAC score, older age and absence of adverse events.

Conclusion:

In patients with osteoarthritis, a moderate level of satisfaction with pharmacological treatment is observed, conditioned by their functional status, their sociodemographic characteristics and the presence of adverse events. In general, satisfaction does not depend on either the characteristics of the treatment or the number of drugs consumed.

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