A qualitative research on medication compliance of patients with ulcerative colitis

Objective To describe the factors influencing medication compliance of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and provide a reference for health care workers developing effective response plans. Methods In-depth interview was conducted to 10 UC patients and the interview results were analyzed by phenomenology research method. Results There were five factors influence medication compliance of UC patients including drug affect, economic burden, living events, follow-up appointment and stigma. Conclusions The medication compliance of UC patients is mainly related to patients lacking of drugs knowledge, heavy burden on drugs cost and shortage of social support etc. The health education and medication supervision on UC patients should be strengthened and the social health insurance system on UC needed to be improved. Key words: Colitis, ulcerative; Medication adherence; Qualitative research