Assessment of the effects of loneliness, perceived social support, and depression on medication adherence in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effects of loneliness, perceived social support, and depression on medication adherence of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Design and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 119 AS patients. Data were collected using the Morisky-Green-Levine Medication Adherence Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Findings Nonadherent patients were younger (P = .033), scored higher on the ULS (P = .015), and BDI (P = .024) scales, and lower on the MSPSS scale (P = .039) and on family support (P = .002). Practical Implications The biopsychosocial aspects of patients with AS should be managed holistically to improve their medication adherence.