Standard definitions of adherence for infrequent y... [Am J Health Behav. 2010 Nov-Dec] - PubMed result

Am J Health Behav. 2010 Nov-Dec;34(6):669-79.
Standard definitions of adherence for infrequent yet repeated health behaviors.
Gierisch JM, Reiter PL, Rimer BK, Brewer NT.
SourceDuke University-Division of General Internal Medicine, Durham VAMC-Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham, NC 27701, USA. j.gierisch@duke.edu


Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To present common language for defining adherence of infrequent yet repeated health behaviors.

METHODS: We illustrate methodological and conceptual issues using human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening mammography study data as examples.

RESULTS: Adherence rates of infrequent, repeated behaviors varied widely depending on how adherence was defined and measured. We advocate use of 3 standard definitions of adherence: initiation of behavior (initiation), adherence to most recent opportunity (on-schedule), and timely adherence across multiple opportunities (maintenance or completion).

CONCLUSIONS: The proposed framework has cross-cutting implications for research and practice. Standardizing adherence metrics may facilitate comparisons across studies of health behaviors practiced at infrequent yet repeated intervals.

PMID:20604693[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] PMCID: PMC2963446[Available on 2011/11/1]
Standard definitions of adherence for infrequent y... [Am J Health Behav. 2010 Nov-Dec] - PubMed result