Do beliefs about medicine predict adherence?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Do patients’ beliefs about medicine predict adherence to pancreatic enzymes, vitamins, physiotherapy and exercise in adults with Cystic Fibrosis?
IRAS ID
135153
Contact name
Anna Regan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Development Directorate Birmingham Heartlands Hospital
Research summary
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-limiting genetic diseases in the UK caused by defects in a single gene. Due to advances in treatment for CF there has been a large increase in life expectancy, with the disease no longer being a paediatric entity, as patients are now expected to progress well into adulthood. Despite these improvements, CF remains an incurable and progressive disease which requires daily preventative management and symptomatic treatment.
The increasing life expectancy for CF creates challenges for patients in maintaining of complex and time-consuming treatment regimens, and therefore ongoing adherence to treatment is a major concern for CF clinicians. (Kettler, Sawyer, Winefield & Greville, 2002)
There are few studies reporting on adherence in adults with CF, therefore in order to improve adherence to medical recommendations, factors which predict adherence need to be identified and investigated. One factor which may be important are beliefs about medicines, including concerns about side-effects and perceived necessity (Horne, 2006).
This study therefore aims to progress previous research by examining the effect patient’s beliefs about medicine has upon their adherence to treatment. This study will therefore administer the “Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire” to investigate patients specific beliefs about their prescribed medication which include necessity beliefs and patients concerns. Patients will then be required to complete a phone diary over two days indicating the number of treatments performed (physiotherapy, exercise, pancreatic enzymes and vitamins) each day in comparison to how much they should have completed. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale will also be utilised as depression is linked to affecting patient’s adherence. In addition patients lung function will be recorded as research indicates disease severity is poorly associated with adherence.
REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EM/0352
Date of REC Opinion
12 Sep 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion