This randomized, parallel-group interventional study is designed to assess the impact of a tailored multimodal educational intervention on medication adherence and disease activity in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disorder that requires long-term pharmacological management. Despite the availability of effective treatments, poor medication adherence remains one of the most significant challenges in achieving optimal disease control. Non-adherence contributes to disease progression, increased disability, healthcare burden, and decreased quality of life.

This study seeks to evaluate whether personalized education—delivered through multiple formats—can enhance adherence and improve patient outcomes in a real-world outpatient setting. The intervention will consist of educational videos in local language, individualized counseling sessions, and digital reminders via SMS or WhatsApp. The educational content will be customized to address common barriers to adherence, such as fear of side effects, lack of understanding of disease mechanisms, and misconceptions about long-term therapy. The control group will receive standard care and routine follow-up, without structured education.

Eligible participants aged 18 years and above with a confirmed diagnosis of RA and on stable disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for at least one month will be enrolled from the Rheumatology OPD of AIIMS, Nagpur. After obtaining informed consent, participants will be randomized into two groups using computer-generated randomization. The educational intervention will be delivered at baseline, followed by reinforcement during monthly follow-up visits for a total duration of three months.

Medication adherence will be assessed using the CQR-19 questionnaire at baseline and follow-up. Disease activity will be evaluated using the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), which includes tender joint count, swollen joint count, ESR/CRP, and patient global assessment.

In addition to primary outcomes of adherence and disease activity, secondary outcomes such as patient satisfaction, perceived treatment benefit, and self-reported barriers to adherence will be analyzed. Data will be statistically evaluated using appropriate tests, with p<0.05 considered significant.

This study has the potential to generate practical evidence on the effectiveness of structured educational tools in improving adherence among RA patients. If successful, the intervention model could be adapted into routine clinical practice and extended to other chronic diseases requiring long-term therapy. By empowering patients through knowledge, the study hopes to bridge the gap between prescription and consumption—transforming treatment compliance from a burden into a behavior.