PW353 The Fiji Acute Rheumatic Fever Prophylaxis Adherence Study
Introduction
Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) is an immune-mediated, inflammatory disease preceded by Group A Streptococcal infection. A consequence of recurrent ARF is Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD). ARF and RHD are significant causes of premature morbidity and mortality in the Pacific Island nation of Fiji.
ARF secondary prevention strategies involve regular treatment with intramuscular penicillin and are essential for people with a past history of ARF to prevent ARF recurrence and subsequent RHD progression.
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Objectives
To determine the level of adherence to secondary prevention strategies among patients in Fiji with a past history of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) or a diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and investigate associations between demographic factors, disease severity and adherence.
Methods
The study was conducted within a defined geographic area in the Western Division of Fiji. Patient adherence to secondary prevention was assessed over a 5 year period (2008-2012) by retrospective review of benzathine penicillin G injection records at 5 health facilities. Additional data including date of birth, gender, ethnicity, location of residence and disease severity were analyzed for associations with adherence.
Results
Adherence and demographic data was collected on 244 patients, and disease severity data were obtainable for a subset of the study population. Data are currently under analysis and will be available for presentation at the meeting.
Conclusion
Patient adherence to ARF secondary prevention regimens is vital for avoiding ARF recurrence and RHD progression. This study assessed prevalence of adherence and associations between demographic factors, disease severity and adherence. Results may be utilised by RHD control and prevention programs to identify patients at risk of poor adherence and enable targeted approaches to improve adherence with ARF secondary prevention regimens.
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Disclosure of Interest: None Declared