Adherence to secondary prevention of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in young people: an 11‐year retrospective study

To evaluate the secondary prevention of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in the Townsville region, Australia. Adherence to benzathine benzylpenicillin G (BPG) was determined for 196 children and young adults aged under 22 years between January 2009 and December 2019, and factors associated with BPG adherence were analysed. Secondary outcomes included attendance at specialist reviews and echocardiograms. Adequate adherence (80%) to regular BPG injections was met by 51.1% of the cohort. Adequate BPG adherence more likely occurred for those that attended the Paediatric Outreach Clinic (OR4.15, 95%CI:2.13‐8.05) or a school delivery program (OR1.87, 95%CI:1.11‐3.45). People with moderate/severe RHD had greater BPG adherence (OR1.76,95%CI:1.00‐3.10). People in rural/remote areas were less likely to have adequate BPG adherence compared to urban counterparts (OR0.31, 95%CI:0.15‐0.65). Adherence to echocardiography was 66% and specialist review attendance was 12.5–50%. Half of the cohort in the Townsville region received adequate BPG prophylaxis to prevent ARF/RHD. Although rates were relatively higher than those reported in other Australian regions, health delivery goals should be close to 100%. Low attendance at specialist services was reported. Delivery models with dedicated services, case management and family support could improve BPG adherence in individuals with ARF/RHD. Further resources in rural and remote areas are needed.