Racial differences in medication beliefs and adherence barriers among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction Black patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have lower medication adherence than White patients, contributing to worse health outcomes. However, racial differences in reasons for nonadherence and beliefs about medications are not well understood. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of Black and White patients with SLE who completed the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire and the SLE-specific Domains of Subjective Extent of Nonadherence survey. We compared scores by race and by adherence level within each racial group. Results Among 123 patients (52% Black, 48% White), adherence was lower in Black patients (44% vs 64%, p = .02). Black patients reported greater concerns about SLE medications and medication overuse and harm than White patients. Nonadherent Black patients reported weaker beliefs in SLE medication necessity and greater concerns about medication overuse and harm than adherent Black patients. Reasons for nonadherence reported by Black patients but not White patients included feeling well (45%), concerns about future fertility (14%), and doubts about their doctors and medicines (8%). Conclusion Nonadherence among Black patients was uniquely associated with stronger concerns about medication overuse and harm and weaker beliefs that SLE medicines were necessary, potentially reflecting medical mistrust that may drive skipping doses when feeling well or when concerns arise. These insights can help clinicians more astutely probe and address each patient’s needs to enhance medication adherence and SLE management.