Florina Constantinescu|Suzanne Goucher|Arthur Weinstein|Wally R. Smith|Liana Fraenkel
Understanding why rheumatoid arthritis patient treatment preferences differ by race
Virginia Commonwealth University|MedStar Washington Hospital Center|MedStar Washington Hospital Center|Georgetown University|Virginia Commonwealth University|Yale University
abstract objective rheumatoid arthritis ra patient preferences may account variability treatment racial groups treatment preferences differ race well understood sought determine whether african american white ra patients differ evaluate specific risks benefits related medications methods total 136 ra patients completed conjoint analysis interactive computer survey determine valued specific risks benefits related treatment characteristics importance respondents assigned characteristic ratio importance patients attached overall benefit versus overall risk calculated subjects risk ratio lt1 classified risk averse results mean age study sample 55 years range 2284 fortynine percent african american 51 white african american subjects assigned greatest importance theoretical risk cancer whereas white subjects concerned likelihood remission halting radiographic progression fiftytwo percent african american subjects found risk averse compared 12 white subjects p lt 00001 race remained strongly associated risk aversion adjusted odds ratio 95 confidence interval 84 31 231 adjusting relevant covariates conclusion african american patients attach greater importance risks toxicity less importance likelihood benefit white counterparts effective risk communication improved understanding expected benefits may help decrease unwanted variability health care