Evaluation of the Pattern of Adherence to Levothyroxine Use and Effect of Education via Pamphlet in Hypothyroidism Patients

Background: Poor adherence is one of causes of inadequate response in patients under treatment with levothyroxine. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of individualized patients’ education and giving a pamphlet regarding the proper usage of levothyroxine on patient’s adherence. Methods: A total number of 200 patients who consumed levothyroxine were included to evaluate their adherence to levothyroxine consumption based on Morisky questionnaire. Hundred patients received levothyroxine as routine without any instruction on proper use and 100 patients were educated and received a pamphlet on proper use of levothyroxine. Results: There were no differences in two groups regarding sex distribution, mean age, levothyroxine use duration, number of medications and having a job. In patients who did not receive education demonstrated 52, 8 and 10% poor, moderate and good adherence, respectively. Patients who received education showed 26, 34 and 40% poor, moderate and good adherence, respectively. Chi square analysis showed that there was a significant difference between adherence of patients who received pamphlet and education in comparison to patients who did not (p= 0.001). Conclusion: Using education and giving pamphlet regarding the importance and proper use of levothyroxine in Iranian hypothyroid patients will lead to better adherence to medication use.