Global inequities in biologic and targeted DMARD use in rheumatoid arthritis: cross-sectional data from the international COVAD-2 cohort
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Despite improvement in treatment, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management remains inconsistent.
AIMS: To evaluate the worldwide disparities in the use of biological and targeted molecules (advanced) RA therapies, focusing on differences across continents and socioeconomic strata, and to identify factors associated with their utilisation.
METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of the international COVAD-2 cohort, including demographics, socioeconomic factors, disease characteristics, patient-reported outcomes, and treatments. Primary outcomes assessed treatment distribution by continent, secondary outcomes evaluated distribution by Human Development Index (HDI), with predictors analysed using multivariable logistic regression.
RESULTS: At the time of analysis, COVAD2 included 10,739 participants; 2007 had RA, 1997 with geographical data included in this study (mean age 50.9 years, 88.1% women). Most patients came from Europe (39.4%) and Asia (24.8%); 61.3% and 23.7% were from very high- and high-HDI countries, respectively. Overall, 29.6% of patients used advanced therapies, with the highest rate in Europe (44.0%), followed by North America and Oceania (33.9%), South America (31.1%), Asia (11.7%), and Africa (5.3%) (p < 0.001). Usage correlated strongly with HDI: 2.7% in low-HDI to 38.8% in very-high-HDI countries (Compared to very-high income, Odds Ratio for high 0.561 (95% CI 0.403;0.782), for medium 0.288 (95% CI 0.153;0.539), and for low income 0.275 (95% CI…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 10,739 participants or records.
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