Evaluation of the use of calendar blister packaging on patient compliance with STD syndromic treatment regimens.

Abstract

Good compliance with antibiotic therapy is critical for successful management of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To evaluate the use of user-friendly drug packaging as a means of improving patient compliance with STD therapy and the acceptability of the packaging. Compliance of patients with STDs with treatment regimens for three different STD syndromes, using antibiotics packed in standard medicine packaging (SP), was compared to that of patients using calendar blister packaged drugs. Compliance was measured by counting the remaining pills at two return visits. Questionnaires were used to evaluate acceptability of the packs. Compliance was significantly better among patients using the calendar blister packs than among those using standard packs, irrespective of dosing frequency. The degree of poor compliance increased with increasing dosing frequency. There was a high level of satisfaction with the blister pack among patients and health care workers. Compliance can be improved by the introduction of user-friendly drug packaging, especially for more complex dosing regimens.