Psychosocial determinants of compliance in adolescents with iron deficiency
B. A. Cromer, K. Steinberg, L. Gardner, D. Thornton and B. Shannon
Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University, Columbus.
The relationship between selected psychosocial variables and compliance was
studied in 71 adolescents prescribed medication for iron deficiency. The
mean compliance rate in the study group was 67%. Home pill counts were
highly correlated with the other methods of measuring compliance, ie,
change in serum ferritin level and urinary assay for tracer riboflavin.
Statistically significant predictors of compliance included adverse side
effects, initial estimate by the adolescent as to his probable level of
compliance, and frequency of family reminders to take the medication. There
was no significant correlation between self-esteem, locus of control, or
most variables of the Health Belief Model and the level of patient
compliance. Our findings suggest that home pill counts are an accurate
method of assessing compliance and that instituting family reminders may be
helpful in those adolescents who are potentially non-compliant.
