Questionnaire survey to identify meal habits which influence adherence to oral 5-aminosalicylic acid regimens in patients with ulcerative colitis

Aim Patient adherence to oral 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) therapy is key for the induction and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis (UC). We conducted a questionnaire survey of meal habits among patients with UC to determine which meal habits influence adherence to oral 5-ASA regimens. Methods The anonymous questionnaire, including information on basic demographics, disease status, 5-ASA use, and patient lifestyle, was given to outpatients receiving oral 5-ASA for UC between January 2019 and April 2019 at Gifu University Hospital. Results A total of 101 patients replied to the questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that "Often skipping a meal" and "Multiple dose regimen" were factors in decreased adherence (<80%) to oral 5-ASA medications. Among patients taking a multi-daily dose, the rate of patients with >= 80% adherence to oral 5-ASA medications replying to "Often skipping a meal" was significantly lower than in patients replying to "Three meals per day (Not skipping a meal)" (53.8% vs 81.3%. p = 0.032), although these differences were not found among patients taking a once-daily dose (80.0% vs 100%. p = 0.529). Conclusion These findings identify "Often skipping a meal" and "Multiple dose regimen" as factors associated with decreased adherence to oral 5-ASA. Adherence to oral 5-ASA in patients skipping a meal may be improved by adoption of a once-daily dose regimen.