Date of Award

Summer 1980

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

Abstract

Increasing numbers of persons with chronic illnesses have accentuated the problem of noncompliance with therapeutic self-care regimens. Theory-based models have been proposed to explain health care behavior and to suggest ways to foster compliance. The Health Belief Model used in this study focuses on the estimation of the illness and its treatment from the perspective of the individual with the health problem. The model was used to guide interviews with twenty adults with diabetes. Compliance was measured by combined subjective report and objective measures of compliance. Correlations between compliance and the dimensions of the Health Belief Model support the usefulness of the model in understanding health-related behavior. Significant correlation scores were found between compliance and two of the major dimensions of the model: "General Health Motivation" and "Benefits and Costs of Treatment." A strong relationship was demonstrated between perceived Social Support and compliance. Individual categories among the "Modifying Variables" related to compliance. The findings of the study suggest the need for further study of "Perceived Threat of Illness" among adults with chronic health problems and compliance.

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