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Ethnic differences in responses to disease modifying drugs
1Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University of Leeds, UK. p.helliwell@leeds.ac.uk
Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|June 18, 2003
Summary
South Asian patients in the UK discontinue disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) sooner than North Europeans. Reasons may include communication barriers and cultural differences, impacting treatment adherence.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- The UK's South Asian population is growing.
- South Asian individuals in Bradford exhibit lower tolerance to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Potential contributing factors include communication gaps in patient education tailored for a North European demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DMARD usage, duration, and discontinuation reasons across ethnic groups.
- To identify ethnic variations in patient response and adherence to DMARD therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 5479 DMARD prescriptions from August 1993 to July 2001.
- Data refined to 2356 drugs from 1391 patients, focusing on North European and South Asian groups.
- Survival analysis used to compare drug duration and discontinuation factors between ethnic groups.
Main Results:
- Drug survival rates differed significantly between North European (0.742) and South Asian (0.665) groups at 12 months.
- Age and drug type influenced drug duration; older patients and corticosteroids showed better survival.
- South Asians were more likely to discontinue DMARDs due to rashes, lack of efficacy, and side-effect concerns.
Conclusions:
- South Asian patients terminate DMARD therapy earlier than North Europeans.
- Discontinuation differences may stem from communication issues, cultural attitudes towards chronic illness, or genetic factors.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise reasons for ethnic disparities in DMARD adherence.