ACR Meeting Abstracts

ACR Meeting Abstracts

  • Home
  • Meetings Archive
    • ACR Convergence 2022
    • ACR Convergence 2021
    • ACR Convergence 2020
    • 2020 ACR/ARP PRSYM
    • 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting
    • 2018 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
    • 2017-2009 Meetings
    • Download Abstracts
  • Keyword Index
  • Advanced Search
  • Your Favorites
    • Favorites
    • Login
    • View and print all favorites
    • Clear all your favorites
  • Meeting Resource Center

Abstract Number: 0680

Gout Stigma: Investigating the Existence of Gout Stigma and Its Impact on Patient Perceptions and Treatment Decisions

N Lawrence Edwards1, Brian LaMoreaux2, Joseph Vitriol3 and Adam Magerman3, 1University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 2Horizon Therapeutics plc, Deerfield, IL, 3Horizon Therapeutics, Deerfield, IL

Meeting: ACR Convergence 2021

Keywords: gout, Pegloticase, Perceptions, Stereotype, stigma

  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print
Session Information

Date: Sunday, November 7, 2021

Session Title: Metabolic & Crystal Arthropathies – Basic & Clinical Science Poster I (0660–0682)

Session Type: Poster Session B

Session Time: 8:30AM-10:30AM

Background/Purpose: Pegloticase is FDA-approved for uncontrolled gout and effectively lowers uric acid levels by conversion of circulating uric acid to allantoin, which is readily removed renally.1 One potential factor contributing to the hesitancy among rheumatologists in recommending pegloticase is the longstanding stigma associated with gout patients and perceptions of their ability or willingness to adhere to pharmacological treatments.3 Although rheumatologists may not explicitly endorse negative gout related stereotypes, it is possible that such stigma may unconsciously influence their perceptions of patients’ illness and treatment efficacy, attributions for contributing factors, and treatment decisions. Therefore, we investigated, among practicing rheumatologists, the existence of stigmas associated with gout (compared to rheumatoid arthritis), perceptions of patient behavior, and treatment decisions in these conditions.

Methods: A sample of 27 practicing rheumatologists participated in an online survey that evaluated their causal beliefs, illness perceptions, and treatment recommendations for patients with gout, uncontrolled gout (UG), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Questions also focused on rheumatologists’ perceptions of patient adherence in gout, UG, and RA, as well as the responsibility of patients’ for their condition. All participants completed questions with reference to gout, UG, and RA, which were blocked and presented in random order. This design allows for an assessment of how rheumatologists’ beliefs, perceptions, and recommendations vary across disease condition and its potential impact on treatment recommendations

Results: Mean-level (95% CI) responses across disease condition are represented in the Figure. Responses to questions about gout and UG did not differ significantly (p > 0.10). However, patients with gout/UG vs RA were perceived as significantly more responsible for their own disease condition and less likely to adhere to prescribed treatments (p < 0.05). Additionally, patient personal behavior, diet, BMI, and lack of treatment adherence were perceived as greater contributing factors to gout/UCG vs RA; p < 0.01. Similarly, change in diet, increased exercise, and weight loss was perceived as more beneficial to the management of gout/UG vs. RA; p < 0.01, whereas biological pharmacological treatment was perceived as more effective at managing RA vs. gout or UG; p < 0.01.

Conclusion: Despite advanced training and high knowledge of gout, rheumatologists’ causal beliefs and illness perceptions for patients with gout/UG compared to RA reflect negative gout related stereotypes, with implications for treatment recommendations. Patients with gout/UG vs. RA were perceived as more responsible for their own condition and less likely to adhere to or benefit from biological pharmacological treatment.


Disclosures: N. Edwards, None; B. LaMoreaux, Horizon Therapeutics, 3, 11; J. Vitriol, Horizon Therapeutics, 2; A. Magerman, Horizon Therpeutics, 2.

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Edwards N, LaMoreaux B, Vitriol J, Magerman A. Gout Stigma: Investigating the Existence of Gout Stigma and Its Impact on Patient Perceptions and Treatment Decisions [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2021; 73 (suppl 9). https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/gout-stigma-investigating-the-existence-of-gout-stigma-and-its-impact-on-patient-perceptions-and-treatment-decisions/. Accessed January 27, 2023.
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

« Back to ACR Convergence 2021

ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/gout-stigma-investigating-the-existence-of-gout-stigma-and-its-impact-on-patient-perceptions-and-treatment-decisions/

Advanced Search

Your Favorites

You can save and print a list of your favorite abstracts during your browser session by clicking the “Favorite” button at the bottom of any abstract. View your favorites »

ACR Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium 2020

© COPYRIGHT 2023 AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RHEUMATOLOGY

Wiley

  • Home
  • Meetings Archive
  • Advanced Search
  • Meeting Resource Center
  • Online Journal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Permissions Policies
  • Cookie Preferences