Time Effects of Supportive Interaction and Facilitator Input Variety on Treatment Adherence of Young People with Chronic Health Conditions: A Dynamic Mechanism in Mutual Aid Groups.

Hiu-Lam Ngai,Hon-Yin Tang,Kenix Hok-Ching Wong,Chau-Kiu Cheung,Liang Shang,Steven Sek-Yum Ngai,Yuen-Hang Ng

doi:10.3390/ijerph18063061

Abstract

This study aims to examine the mechanism of how supportive interaction and facilitator input variety in mutual aid groups impact treatment adherence of young people with chronic health conditions, with consideration of time effects, which have been rarely studied in the existing literature. A stratified random sample of 391 individuals aged 12–45 years with chronic health conditions were recruited from mutual aid groups in Hong Kong and completed both the baseline and 12-month follow-up surveys. The results of the structural equation modeling indicated that supportive interaction and facilitator input variety positively predicted treatment adherence in a delayed condition, whereas members’ treatment adherence in the baseline survey had reversed effects on members’ supportive interaction in the follow-up survey. The findings of this study shed light on the dynamic mechanism of the mutual aid groups and provide important implications to promote better rehabilitation outcomes of young people with chronic health conditions.

Highlights

Chronic health conditions, which are defined as recurrent illnesses lasting for one year or more, such as mental illnesses, asthma, diabetes, and heart disease [1], have been a complex challenge to the global medical system for the rapidly increasing patient population
This study assessed the goodness of fit using four model-fit indices, namely root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA), comparative goodnessof-fit index (CFI), Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI), and standardized root-mean-square residual (SRMR), with the exception of chi-square due to its high sensitivity to sample size [49]
The results of this study suggested that a more holistic and comprehensive approach to facilitator input could lead to better treatment adherence of young people with chronic health conditions (PCHC) [20], as members in mutual aid groups often face a wide range of difficulties in different areas of their lives

Summary

Introduction

Chronic health conditions, which are defined as recurrent illnesses lasting for one year or more, such as mental illnesses, asthma, diabetes, and heart disease [1], have been a complex challenge to the global medical system for the rapidly increasing patient population. Young PCHC face many personal challenges in daily life, including demanding treatment regiments, treatment side effects, and in some cases, the prospect of a shortened future [4]. Treatment adherence, which refers to the regularity with which a patient follows treatment plans advised by healthcare professionals, has been seemingly recognized as vital to achieving successful rehabilitation outcomes [5]. Sufficient treatment adherence could enhance the quality of life and reduce morbidity and mortality from diseases, further alleviating the medical and financial burdens at personal and societal levels [6]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion