Psychology & Health: Adherence (Studies) [A-Level Psychology 9698]

Sherman et al (2000)

Objective- repeat prescriptions checked adherence of asthma patients by measuring ordering and picking up of repeat prescriptions, compared to the doctor's prescrption. They called each patient's pharmacy to assess refill rate, and chekced against meidcal records. -Pharmacy info - 91% accurate -Adherence levels- 57%

Roth (1987)

Objective; biochemical tests reviewed different adherence measures and concluded that blood and urine levels are the best available measures of medicine intake. e.g those with diabetes. -self-reports= over estimation in adherence -pill counting= not valid as does not measure if actually took pill

Chung & Naya (2000)

Objective; pill counting developed TracCap (a microprocessor in bottle cap - records date & time) -asthma oral meds, were scheduled to return every 3 weeks for tablet counts to compare track cap results. -Adherence according to track cap= 89% and 91% in pill counts.

Bulpitt (1998)- rational non-adherence

Reviewed research on adherence in hypertensive patients. Ppts taking new drugs and the symptoms reduced more than the pre-drug states but side effects - sexual problems, sleepiness, dizziness • made rational decision to stop taking meds as side effects outweighed benefits of treating mainly asymptomatic problem. Adherence decreased

Riekert & Droter (1999)

Subjective; self-report questionnaires and interviews on adolescents with diabetes. -suggests people who do not adhere are unlikely to participate in non-adherence research. • 52 completed • 28 completed initial questionnaires but x return postal questionnaires • 14 refuse to participate

Subjective measures of adherence

These are measures that provide a person's personal opinion about adherence. For example, interviews and questionnaires can be used to ask either a patient or doctor about adherence.

Objective measures of adherence

These are measures that provide a quantitative measure of adherence, which are not open to interpretation, and include: pill counting, biochemical tests and looking at repeat prescriptions.

Rational non-adherence

This is when a patient makes a decision to not adhere, based on a cost-benefit analysis. They may find that the side effects or negative impact on lifestyle outweighs the reduction in illness symptoms, so decide that they will not adhere to the medical advice given to them.