Deferasirox adherence in patients with thalassemia: Exploring the association with patient knowledge and ferritin levels

Abstract

In this study, data from 171 patients with thalassemia were analyzed. There was high variability in ferritin levels among patients, with a median of 2290 ng/mL. The median Morisky adherence score was 4, and 75% of the patients had low adherence levels to deferasirox. There were no significant correlations between the adherence score and patients’ sociodemographic data. However, a significant positive correlation was noted between the adherence score and the knowledge score of the patients. Ferritin levels were significantly and negatively correlated with the adherence score, as demonstrated by the highest ferritin level observed among patients with low levels of adherence. In conclusion, a low level of adherence to deferasirox was noted among patients with thalassemia. Adherence levels were directly associated with patients’ knowledge of the disease and its therapy, while ferritin levels were inversely linked to adherence levels. Thus, tailored and effective strategies are needed to optimize chelation therapy and patient outcomes.