JCHOR
Journal of Current Hematology & Oncology Research

The Journal of Current Hematology & Oncology Research regularly publishes internationally qualified research in hematology and oncology within the current scholarly knowledge.

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eISSN: 2980-0854
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Original Article
Adherence to prophylaxis in adults with hemophilia: the role of communication, self-ınfusion, and ınfusion timing
Abstract
Aims: Despite advances in hemophilia management, maintaining optimal treatment adherence remains a significant challenge, particularly when access to healthcare services is limited. To evaluate treatment adherence among adult patients with hemophilia during a period of restricted access to healthcare services, with particular emphasis on the roles of health literacy and communication with healthcare professionals.
Methods: A total of 128 adult patients with moderate or severe hemophilia were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Treatment adherence was assessed using the Validated Hemophilia Regimen Treatment Adherence Scale–Prophylaxis (VERITAS-Pro), which evaluates six domains: Time, Dose, Plan, Remember, Skip, and Communicate. Self-reported adherence, infusion practices, annual bleeding rate (ABR), age, and treatment-related variables were analyzed. Pearson correlation analysis and group comparisons were performed to examine associations between variables.
Results: The median age of participants was 39 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 32–47). Most patients had hemophilia A (84.4%) and severe disease (77.3%), and 82.8% reported current target joints. The mean VERITAS-Pro total score was 47.8 ± 9.7, with 85.9% classified as adherent. High adherence was observed in timing (85.9%), planning (93.8%), remembering (93.0%), and skipping (85.9%), whereas communication represented the weakest adherence domain. Patients with higher ABR demonstrated significantly poorer communication scores (p = 0.007). Self-infusion was associated with significantly better adherence across multiple domains, including total score, timing, and planning (p < 0.05). Infusions administered at the beginning of the day were also associated with higher adherence. Age showed a weak, non-significant correlation with total adherence scores (r = 0.144, p = 0.104).
Conclusion: Structured infusion routines and self-infusion practices appear to improve treatment adherence among adult patients with hemophilia. Communication with healthcare professionals remains a critical challenge, particularly among patients with higher bleeding frequency. Interventions targeting patient–provider communication may further enhance adherence outcomes

Keywords : Treatment adherence, self administration, health literacy, patient-provider communication, prophylaxis

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 2, 2026
Page : 40-46
https://doi.org/10.51271/JCHOR-0080
Article Information
Received : 07 Mar 2026
Accepted : 12 Nis 2026
Published : 18 May 2026
Corresponding Author :

Zühal Demirci: Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Demirci Z, Keklik Karadağ F, Aydın Kaynar L, et al. Adherence to prophylaxis in adults with hemophilia: the role of communication, selfinfusion, and infusion timing. J Curr Hematol Oncol Res. 2026;4(2):40-46. doi:10.51271/JCHOR-0080

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