EXPLORING THE FACTORS BEHIND PATIENT REFUSAL OF INTRAARTICULAR CORTICOSTEROID INJECTIONS FOR ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Introduction: Intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACIs) represent a well-established treatment method for arthritis patients because they deliver pain reduction together with functional improvement to the affected joints. Many patients decline IACIs because of different concerns that reduce their impact as an arthritis treatment.
Objectives: The goal of this research is to identify patient-based variables that lead to IACI rejection while assessing patient anxieties about adverse effects, together with their treatment selection preferences and procedure credibility.
Materials and methods: The research took place at District Headquarter Hospital, Karak, in the duration from 1st May 2023 to 31st October 2023. Two data collection methods were used to identify refusal reasons among 200 patients who denied receiving IACIs. Data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: The personalized reasons for refusal of treatment included 14 per cent of patients who had a concern about the side effects of the medication, 25 per cent who had a lack of confidence in corticosteroid injection, 20 per cent who preferred other treatment options, and 15 per cent of patients who had negative previous experience on medication. Out of all the proposed treatments, patients preferred physiotherapy at 40%, second were analgesics preferred by 30% of patients, while 20% preferred topical treatment.
Conclusion: The acceptance of intra-articular corticosteroid injections for arthritis treatment improves when healthcare professionals dispel patient misinformation and enhance their communication efforts while delivering educational material.