The Effect of Self-infusion and Patient Education on Treatment Compliance in Hemophilia Patients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Compliance to treatment regimens is a current issue in the treatment of hemophilia. These problems are widely reported. We aimed to investigate the effect of self-infusion and patient education on treatment compliance in hemophilia patients. METHODS: A questionnaire developed by Hemophilia Federation was sent to Hemophilia and von Willebrand (vWH) patients who participated in the Workshop of Hemophilia Federation in 2019. Within fifteen days, patients were asked to answer the questionnaire. Survey data were evaluated by appropriate statistical methods. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients with severe hemophilia A, 20 severe hemophilia B and 3 vWH were included in the study. Patients were participated from six different regions of Turkey. 8 patients could not complete secondary education. 60 of patients completed or continue their secondary education. 29 of were graduated from a university. 64 patients were compatible to treatment and 33 patients were incompatible to treatment. The treatment compliance ratio was 66%. No significant relationship was found between the educational status and treatment compliance of the patients (p = 0.516). The mean age of the patients who were compatible to treatment was 21.5 years, and incompatible patients were 20.6 (p = 0.015). There was no statistically significant relationship between treatment compliance and self-infusion, self-infusion learning source and internet usage period. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The success in the follow-up and treatment of chronic diseases such as hemophilia is enhanced by the training of physicians and other health personnel, as well as the education of patients and their relatives.

Keywords

• adolescent
• hemophilia
• treatment compliance