Browsing by Subject "Treatment burden"

Purpose: Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is treated with daily injections of growth hormone (GH). Daily injections may cause burden to patients and to family, that may decrease treatment adherence and may result poor treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to study growth hormone treatment burden in Finland and to identify possible treatment challenges and what preferences caregivers have for growth hormone treatment (GHT). Research methods and data: Anonymous semi-structured survey was conducted in 50 pharmacies across Finland. Potential responders were identified when they came to buy growth hormone product and they were requested to complete the survey with tablet computer. Survey consisted of questions including subject characteristics, treatment background, parent satisfaction to treatment, treatment expectations, decision-making process, compliance and non-compliance reasons, and parent preferences. Survey was conducted between June 2021 and April 2022. Results: Total 79 persons responded to survey. All responders were satisfied with current treatment, 79.5% were very satisfied and 29.5% were quite satisfied. 25.6% responded that they don’t have any challenges with the treatment and 74.4% reported at least one challenge. Most common challenges were injection (35.9%), storage requirements (35.8%) and high price (16.7%). Most common reasons for missing a dose were travel or sleep overs (57.7%), forgot to take medicine (30.8%) and medicine runs out (19.8%). Parents described best and most effective GHT in their own words to be with less frequent dosing (25.6%), storage in room temperature (24.4%) and easy-to use device (23.1%). Conclusions: All caregivers were satisfied with the treatment. However nearly 75% of the responders identified treatment-related challenges. The most frequently reported challenge was the mode of administration (injection). When describing optimal GHT, the wish for less frequent dosing interval was the most often mentioned. Data from this survey can provide support in selection the optimal type of GHT for pediatric and adolescent patients.