Abstract OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of conventional versus digital counseling approaches on medication adherence among patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, comparative study was conducted in the rheumatology department over a year (March 2024–March 2025) with 160 participants randomized into two groups: Digital approach and conventional approach. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, pain assessment score, disease activity, and medication adherence were assessed pre- and postintervention using a validated questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, employing paired t -tests and multivariate analysis of variance analysis. RESULTS: The digital intervention significantly improved medication adherence (5.40 ± 1.05–6.04 ± 1.20, P < 0.001) compared to the conventional approach ( P = 0.689). Disease activity scores (DAS) and inflammatory markers showed greater reductions in the digital group ( P < 0.001). Pain assessment scores improved significantly with digital interventions compared to conventional counseling. CONCLUSION: Digital health interventions, particularly mobile-based reminders, have demonstrated superior efficacy in enhancing medication adherence and improving DASs among patients with IA.
Parthasarathy et al. (Tue,) studied this question.