Lupus & antiphospholipid syndrome
Racial differences in medication beliefs and adherence barriers among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors' 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.
Study context
- Population
- Black and White patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who completed the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire and the SLE-specific Domains of Subjective Extent of Nonadherence survey52% Black, 48% White
- Participants
- 123 participants
- Exposure
- Black vs White patients with SLE
- Outcome
- Medication adherence
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
P = 0.02
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Medication beliefs by race
- Black patients reported greater concerns about SLE medications and medication overuse and harm than White patients
Medication beliefs by adherence among Black 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 but not White patients
- Feeling well
- 45%
- Concerns about future fertility
- 14%
- Doubts about their doctors and medicines
- 8%
Original publication
Racial differences in medication beliefs and adherence barriers among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus. Published 1 December 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →