Questionnaire survey to identify meal habits which influence adherence to oral 5‐aminosalicylic acid regimens in patients with ulcerative colitis

Abstract

AbstractAimPatient adherence to oral 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) therapy is key for the induction and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis (UC). We conducted a questionnaire survey of meal habits among patients with UC to determine which meal habits influence adherence to oral 5‐ASA regimens.MethodsThe anonymous questionnaire, including information on basic demographics, disease status, 5‐ASA use, and patient lifestyle, was given to outpatients receiving oral 5‐ASA for UC between January 2019 and April 2019 at Gifu University Hospital.ResultsA total of 101 patients replied to the questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that “Often skipping a meal” and “Multiple dose regimen” were factors in decreased adherence (<80%) to oral 5‐ASA medications. Among patients taking a multi‐daily dose, the rate of patients with ≥80% adherence to oral 5‐ASA medications replying to “Often skipping a meal” was significantly lower than in patients replying to “Three meals per day (Not skipping a meal)" (53.8% vs 81.3%. p = 0.032), although these differences were not found among patients taking a once‐daily dose (80.0% vs 100%. p = 0.529).ConclusionThese findings identify “Often skipping a meal” and “Multiple dose regimen” as factors associated with decreased adherence to oral 5‐ASA. Adherence to oral 5‐ASA in patients skipping a meal may be improved by adoption of a once‐daily dose regimen.