Factors associated with adherence to ursodeoxycholic acid or placebo in patients after bariatric surgery

Background: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) reduces symptomatic gallstone disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The beneficial effect of UDCA is reduced by poor adherence. Objectives: We aimed to identify factors associated with poor adherence to UDCA or placebo after bariatric surgery. Setting: Outpatient clinic and department for bariatric surgery in three hospitals in the Netherlands. Methods: Patients in the multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled UPGRADE trial were assessed for adherence to 900 mg UDCA or placebo for 6 months through a pill count, inquiries during follow-up, and a questionnaire. Poor adherence was defined as the usage of