The purpose of this protocol is:

1. To quantify the prevalence of adherence to topical mesalamine in patients with UC
2. To describe the determinants of medication adherence in patients with UC prescribed topical mesalamine

Patient adherence with topical mesalamine is low. Behavioral and psycho-social barriers to topical mesalamine adherence exist in patients with UC. These factors can be identified using qualitative testing in order to develop and design appropriate behavioral interventions to reduce non-adherence.

The investigators will undertake an observational study of medication persistence in 100 patients in the BIDMC clinic, "Persistence Cohort". Persistence will be measured using 12-month pharmacy refill data. The investigators will also employ a qualitative research design with discrete choice modeling in two phases: Phase I - Initial Interviews with 10 patients and Phase II - Focus Groups (2) with 5 patients each.

Inclusion Criteria:

• must have ulcerative colitis diagnosed by a doctor at least 1 month prior to study participation
• must be prescribed topical mesalamine (e.g. Rowasa enemas or Canasa suppositories) by a doctor
• must be receiving care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Exclusion Criteria:

• no diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
• no prescription for topical mesalamine
• not receiving care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

The population of this study will be adults with diagnosed Ulcerative Colitis who have been prescribed topical mesalamine (Rowasa/Canasa) for treatment of their ulcerative colitis.