Factors affecting adherence and patient satisfaction with treatment: a cross-sectional study of 500 patients with acne vulgaris

Background: Acne Vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease that requires long-term treatment. Adherence to treatment is a problem in chronic diseases and may affect treatment outcomes. Objective: We aim to investigate treatment adherence and satisfaction of patients with acne and identify independent factors that affect them. Methods: Five hundred patients with acne were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Severity of acne was assessed using the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) scale, and a five-point Likert scale was used to assess patients’ satisfaction and adherence. Results: Adherence to treatment was poor in 64.4% of the patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that using oral isotretinoin (OR: 4.1, 95% CI 2.44–6.92, p <.001) and satisfaction with treatment (OR: 2.1, 95% CI 1.31–3.43, p =.002) were independent factors that affect adherence in patients. 51.8% of the patients were satisfied with their treatments and treatment satisfaction was higher in females (OR: 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.8, p =.004) and patients using oral isotretinoin (OR: 14.8, 95% CI 9.4–23.2, p <.001). Conclusions: Treatment adherence is poor among patients with acne. Identifying the factor that affects adherence may help the dermatologist recognize non-adherent patients and develop strategies to improve adherence.