EJ Dziuban et al. Identifying barriers to treatment adherence and related attitudinal patterns in adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Pediatric Pulmonology, 2010;45:450-458.

The treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) is directed toward correction of organ dysfunction and relief of symptoms resulting from the disease. Lack of adherence to daily treatment regimens may have substantial short-term and long-term effects on patients with CF. In this study, Dzuiuban and associates attempted to identify barriers to treatment adherence which could be predicted by objective measures and explore ways to improve adherence in adolescents with CF. A questionnaire was given to patients 12.0-20.9 years of age, designed with focus on specific barriers to adhering to treatment plan and related attitudinal patterns. Observational and analytical results were collected. The investigators obtained questionnaires and objective health data for 60 respondents. The most commonly identified barriers to adherence were forgetting or losing medications (32/60) and being too busy (23/60). Attitudinal patterns that played a significant role for nonadherence included unintentional forgetting (40/60), feeling that following CF treatments resulted in less freedom in their lives (30/60), and believing it is acceptable to miss a treatment every few days (18/60) or to miss treatments when busy (18/60).

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The authors concluded that there were a few statistically significant differences of adherence patterns between demographic subgroups in our study. Males were more likely to agree that it is acceptable to miss doses if they are made up with extra doses later (24% vs. 3%, P = 0.04). Patients who perceived themselves to be less healthy agreed more to statements of limited freedom, nonsympathetic medical providers, and difficulty adhering during times of decreased symptoms. This highlights an unexpected risk: as CF progresses and patients perceive themselves to be less healthy, they may become less likely to be adherent during the periods they are feeling the best, while at the same time becoming less likely to perceive empathy from their physicians.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: Survey results describe a variety of beliefs and attitudinal patterns which contribute to nonadherence in CF treatment, especially relating to time management. While patients largely understood the importance of treatments to their health, predictors of risky behaviors could lead to targeted interventions by CF centers to address these challenges and improve adherence.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE CONSUMER: The life expectancy of patients with CF is increasing each year. However, in order for this goal to be achieved, the individual must consistently perform whatever skills he or she has been taught for controlling the condition. Performing these skills would improve the mortality rate from CF.