Psychosocial Treatment Adherence Research Articles

Effect of hospital-based case management on psychosocial wellbeing and treatment outcomes in colorectal cancer patients: A quasi-experimental study.

Case management has been regarded as the front line of necessary change for fragmented healthcare system. This study proposed a case management intervention that is suitable for Chinese colorectal cancer patients and explored its effectiveness over a 12-month follow-up. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in an oncology hospital in China. A total of 188 patients were recruited from May 2015 to February 2017; 85 patients in the control group and 80 patients in the intervention group were included in data analysis. The intervention group was managed for 1 year by a case manager who organized the multidisciplinary team, provided regular assessment, a consulting service and referrals. Quality of life, anxiety and depression, symptom distress, treatment adherence and unplanned readmission rates were measured. Repeated measurement ANOVA showed significant intervention and time effects in global quality of life, anxiety and depression, symptom distress and oral chemotherapy adherence. The intervention group showed statistically significantly better overall treatment adherence and lower unplanned readmission rate. Nurse-led case management was effective in improving psychosocial outcomes, treatment adherence and unplanned readmission rate of colorectal cancer patients. A case management model is feasible and effective in colorectal cancer patients and in hospital-dominated healthcare systems where primary care is underutilized.

Internalized stigma and self-esteem among remitted patients with bipolar disorder

IntroductionSelf-stigmatization in patients with bipolar disorder could lead to shame, self-judgement, impaired quality of life, and could negatively affect self-esteem imeding recovery.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess self-stigma in remitted patients with bipolar disorder and to evaluate its impact on self-esteem.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study of 61 patients with bipolar disorder. Euthymia was verified using the Hamilton scale for depression and the Young scale for mania. We used the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) to evaluate self-stigma, and the Rosenberg scale to assess self-esteem.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 43.4 years. The sex ratio was 2.4. The mean score on the ISMI was 2.36. More than half of our patients (59%) were self-stigmatized. With regard to self-esteem, the mean score obtained on the Rosenberg scale was 27.72. Low or very low self-esteem was found in 54% of patients. The most self-stigmatized patients had significantly lower self-esteem (p<10-3).ConclusionsInternalized stigmatization negatively affects self-esteem of patients with bipolar disorder. Psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy would improve self-esteem and enhance psychosocial treatment adherence and move people with bipolar disorder toward a culture of recovery based on hope and self-determination.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Experiences and training needs of healthcare providers involved in the care of Ghanaian adolescents living with HIV: an interventional study

BackgroundCaring for adolescents living with HIV/AIDS (ALHIV) can be overwhelming due to their unique needs. Ghana is currently among nine countries in West and Central Africa contributing to 90% of new paediatric infections in the sub-region with a growing population of ALHIV. Regardless, gaps in paediatric related care including healthcare providers (HCPs) capacity issues have been identified. This study sought to assess the competencies of adolescent-oriented healthcare providers before, and after interventionist training to inform recommendation that would guide the psychosocial care they give to ALHIV.MethodsThe study adopted a mixed methods approach with a non-randomized interventional study involving three-phase multi-methods. The sample consisted of 28 adolescent-oriented and multi-disciplinary healthcare providers at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) in Ghana. Data were obtained in three phases, namely, a baseline survey, interventionist training, and post-training in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using Stata version 13 for descriptive analysis while the qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo version 11.ResultsAlthough the majority of the HCPs claim to be knowledgeable about adolescent health issues (n = 21, 75.0%), only about a third (n = 10, 35.7%) could correctly define who an adolescent is. The majority (n = 18, 64.3%) had not received any training on how to work with the adolescent client. The main areas identified for improvement in the ALHIV care in phase 1 included issues with psychosocial assessment, communication and treatment adherence strategies, creating an adolescent-friendly work environment, and availability of job aids/protocols. During the post-training interviews, participants reported an improved understanding of the characteristics of an adolescent-friendly site and basic principles for ALHIV care. They were also able to correctly describe the widely used adolescent health assessment tool; the HEEADSSS. Post intervention interviews also revealed HCPs perception on increased practice related confidence levels and readiness to implement new knowledge and skills gained.ConclusionThis study has shown that targeted training on routine ALHIV care is effective in increasing HCPs knowledge, skills and confidence. Addressing the healthcare system/facility related gaps serves as an impetus for improved ALHIV care among HCPs.

EPA-1123 – Types of adherence to psychosocial treatment: Strategies to predict, measure and intervene

Introduction Non-adherence to psychosocial and behavioral treatment is a significant public health problem that presents a barrier to recovery and effective treatment. An estimated 20-70% of individuals who initiate psychosocial mental health services discontinue treatment prior to the clinicians’ recommendation. Empirically supported, evidence-based stand alone or adjunctive psychosocial interventions treat an increasingly wide range of mental health conditions; however, a core underlying assumption of most, if not all, interventions is that clients will fully and actively engage in the treatment protocol. While the influence of medication adherence has been more fully investigated, psychosocial treatment adherence has received less scientific attention. Objectives Study aims include: (1) conceptualize and categorize psychosocial treatment adherence, (2) examine predictors that influence adherence to psychosocial treatments, (3) identify treatment response patterns that relate to adherence, (4) summarize measures of adherence, and (5) describe existing interventions to enhance psychosocial treatment adherence. Methods Peer-reviewed publications on psychosocial and behavioral treatment adherence were searched using Medline and PsycINFO electronic databases between 1980 and 2013. Results/Conclusions It is crucial that clinicians and researchers systematically consider the role of adherence in their intervention protocols, including: (1) identifying and assessing barriers that may place clients at higher risk for non-adherence; (2) measuring multiple forms of adherence in their work; (3) addressing identified barriers with their clients; (4) considering factors within their practice or approach that can be modified to reduce barriers to adherence; and (5) adding adjunctive adherence strategies or interventions to prospectively promote psychosocial treatment adherence.

Strategies to Predict, Measure, and Improve Psychosocial Treatment Adherence

Nonadherence to psychosocial and behavioral treatment is a significant public health problem that presents a barrier to recovery and effective treatment. An estimated 20% to 70% of individuals who initiate psychosocial mental health services discontinue treatment prior to clinicians' recommendations. Empirically supported, evidence-based, stand-alone or adjunctive psychosocial interventions treat an increasingly wide range of mental health conditions. A core assumption of most, if not all, interventions is that clients will fully and actively engage in the treatment protocol. Adherence to psychosocial treatment has received much less scientific attention, however, than adherence to medical treatment. Drawing extensively from existing research, this comprehensive review conceptualizes several types of psychosocial and behavioral treatment adherence, examines predictors of adherence to psychosocial treatment, summarizes measures of adherence, and describes existing interventions to enhance psychosocial treatment adherence.

EPA-1125 – The tech connect program: A psychosocial treatment adherence intervention for adolescents with depression

Despite annual investments of millions of dollars to develop and disseminate interventions for mood disorders in adolescence, approximately a third of youth dropout or terminate prematurely. Low adherence remains a fundamental impediment to treatment effectiveness and mental health outcomes. To address this issue, the Tech Connect Program was developed as a proactive and simple to implement package of manualized between-session contacts (e.g., texting, phone calls) and structural supports (e.g., transportation, childcare) that are individualized to increase adherence of adolescents with mood disorders who are at high risk of treatment dropout from community-based treatments. A 2-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) with depressed youths (age 13-17 years) and parents randomized to either standard community-based mental health care (control condition) or the Tech Connect Program plus standard clinical care (treatment condition) was implemented to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the Tech Connect Program protocols, to estimate intervention parameters including recruitment and attrition rates, and assess the preliminary impact of the intervention on treatment adherence and mental health outcomes. Findings show that Tech Connect Program is both feasible and acceptable to clinicians, youth and their families. Although further research is needed to evaluate the Tech Connect Program, this feasibility pilot study has demonstrated an innovative, novel intervention to improve adolescent engagement and adherence to community-based mental health treatment.

Strategies to Predict, Measure, and Improve Psychosocial Treatment Adherence

Nonadherence to psychosocial and behavioral treatment is a significant public health problem that presents a barrier to recovery and effective treatment. An estimated 20% to 70% of individuals who initiate psychosocial mental health services discontinue treatment prior to clinicians' recommendations. Empirically supported, evidence-based, stand-alone or adjunctive psychosocial interventions treat an increasingly wide range of mental health conditions. A core assumption of most, if not all, interventions is that clients will fully and actively engage in the treatment protocol. Adherence to psychosocial treatment has received much less scientific attention, however, than adherence to medical treatment. Drawing extensively from existing research, this comprehensive review conceptualizes several types of psychosocial and behavioral treatment adherence, examines predictors of adherence to psychosocial treatment, summarizes measures of adherence, and describes existing interventions to enhance psychosocial treatment adherence.

Patient-oncologist alliance, psychosocial well-being, and treatment adherence among young adults with advanced cancer.

Patients who develop a strong alliance with their health care providers have been shown to have higher levels of psychosocial well-being and rates of treatment adherence. Young adults with cancer have lower levels of psychosocial well-being and treatment adherence relative to patients with cancer in other age groups. This study sought to evaluate the relationships between the patient-oncologist alliance, psychosocial well-being, and treatment adherence in young adults with advanced cancer. Ninety-five young adults (age 20 to 40 years) with advanced cancer were administered measures of alliance, psychosocial well-being, willingness to adhere to treatment, and treatment adherence. Relationships between alliance and psychosocial well-being were examined bivariately. Multiple linear regression models examined the relationship between alliance and adherence, controlling for confounding influences (eg, psychosocial well-being). Alliance was significantly (P ≤ .01) and positively associated with greater perceived social support and less severe illness-related grief. After controlling for significant confounding influences (ie, metastases, appraised support, and grief), alliance remained significantly (P ≤ .01) associated with greater willingness to adhere to treatment and greater adherence to oral medication. By developing a strong alliance, oncologists may enhance psychosocial well-being and increase treatment adherence in young adult patients with advanced cancer.

A literature review to investigate the link between psychosocial characteristics and treatment adherence in cancer patients.

Adherence to medication has been recognized as a key issue in health outcomes and efforts to improve patients' adherence are being made by the pharmaceutical industry, experts, and government bodies alike. This paper presents a review of these issues according to previous descriptive findings. Relevant studies written in English, published in 1976 or later, were identified through Medline, Embase and PsycInfo databases and reviewed. Review articles and clinical trials were excluded; all observational studies and surveys were considered. Articles were reviewed for any discussion of patients' characteristics and psychosocial characteristics affecting adherence to cancer treatment. The search strategy included a combination of key words adherence and cancer in titles. The major findings are summarized and presented under two main headings: i) patients' characteristics; and ii) psychosocial characteristics. In general, factors associated with increased likelihood of adherence to cancer treatment included younger age, higher education, higher income and Caucasian ethnicity. With regards to the psychosocial factors, lower levels of depression and anxiety, optimism as well as social support seemed to have a positive effect on treatment adherence. Studies of patterns of care in cancer treatment can help identify challenges in health care provided to particular subgroups of cancer patients and can aid researchers in designing studies that account for such factors in clinical and outcomes' research.

A literature review to investigate the link between psychosocial characteristics and treatment adherence in cancer patients

Adherence to medication has been recognized as a key issue in health outcomes and efforts to improve patients’ adherence are being made by the pharmaceutical industry, experts, and government bodies alike. This paper presents a review of these issues according to previous descriptive findings. Relevant studies written in English, published in 1976 or later, were identified through Medline, Embase and PsycInfo databases and reviewed. Review articles and clinical trials were excluded; all observational studies and surveys were considered. Articles were reviewed for any discussion of patients’ characteristics and psychosocial characteristics affecting adherence to cancer treatment. The search strategy included a combination of key words adherence and cancer in titles. The major findings are summarized and presented under two main headings: i) patients’ characteristics; and ii) psychosocial characteristics. In general, factors associated with increased likelihood of adherence to cancer treatment included younger age, higher education, higher income and Caucasian ethnicity. With regards to the psychosocial factors, lower levels of depression and anxiety, optimism as well as social support seemed to have a positive effect on treatment adherence. Studies of patterns of care in cancer treatment can help identify challenges in health care provided to particular subgroups of cancer patients and can aid researchers in designing studies that account for such factors in clinical and outcomes’ research.

The Effects of Eclectic Filial Therapy on Psychosocial Adjustment, Treatment Adherence, and Metabolic Control in Children with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

본 연구에서는 인슐린-의존형 당뇨병 아동의 심리사회적 부적응 문제를 완화 및 예방하기 위한 중재 프로그램으로 절충적 부모-자녀 놀이치료를 실시하고 효과를 검증하였다. 연구대상은 초등학교 1학년-4학년 사이의 인슐린-의존형 당뇨병 아동 17명과 어머니 17명으로 실행집단 5쌍, 비교집단 5쌍, 통제집단 7쌍으로 구성되었다. 연구 결과, 절충적 부모-자녀 놀이치료를 실시한 집단에서 어머니와 아동의 부모-자녀관계가 향상되었고, 아동의 총문제행동, 외현화문제행동, 우울/불안감이 감소하였으며, 아동의 내적 통제소재 및 자기효능감의 하위척도인 자기조절 효능감과 과제난이도 선호 역시 향상되었다. 아동 자신이 보고하는 치료순응에서는 유의한 변화 가 나타나지 않았으나 어머니가 보고한 치료순응은 향상된 것으로 나타났고, 인슐린-의존형 당뇨병 아동의 대사조절을 나타내는 당화혈색소 수치(HbA1C level)도 향상되었다. 본 연구는 절충적 부모-자녀 놀이치료가 인슐린-의존형 당뇨병 아동의 심리사회적 적응을 향상시키는데 효과적인 프로그램임을 입증하였으며 치료순응과 대사조절에도 영향을 줄 수 있음을 확인하였다.

Factores Psicosociales Asociados a la Adherencia al Tratamiento de la Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2

It is estimated that rates of non-adherence to chronic diseases are around 50%. International studies have reported some psychosocial factors related to treatment adherence. The purpose of the present study was to detect the relationship between psychosocial factors and treatment adherence in a sample of Type 2 Diabetics subjects from a public health institution. To this end, a non - experimental transversal correlational study was designed with a 50 DM2 subjects sample, which average age was 60,76 years old. Self-report measures of stress level, coping style, depressive symptoms, social support perception and treatment adherence, were obtained. The results revealed that 40% of participants had glycosylated hemoglobin over 9%, and66% of them shown moderate to high stress levels. In average during the last 7 days, the participants have accomplished the diet 4,37 days, consumed fruits and vegetables 3,14 days and took glycemia test in 1,1 days. There is a direct correlation between the stress level and concentrations of glycosylated hemoglobin.Unlike stress, social support and depressive symptomatology was not associated with treatment adherence. These results confi rm low levels of treatment adherence and high rates of stress in DM2 patients, as well as its association with high levels of glycosylated hemoglobin.

Randomized controlled trial of the self-stigma reduction program among individuals with schizophrenia

Research evidence suggests that individuals with schizophrenia are prone to self-stigmatization, which reduces their psychosocial treatment adherence. A self-stigma reduction program was developed based on a theoretical framework proposed by our team. The effectiveness of such program to reduce self-stigma, enhance readiness for change, and promote adherent behaviors among individuals with schizophrenia was investigated. This program consisted of 12 group and four individual follow-up sessions. An integrative approach including psychoeductaion, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, social skills training, and goal attainment program was adopted. Sixty-six self-stigmatized individuals with schizophrenia were recruited. They were randomly allocated to the self-stigma reduction program ( N = 34; experimental protocol) or the newspaper reading group ( N = 32; comparison protocol). Measures on participants' level of self-stigma, readiness for change, insight, general self-efficacy, and treatment adherence were taken for six assessment intervals. The findings suggested that the self-stigma reduction program has potential to reduce self-esteem decrement, promote readiness for changing own problematic behaviors, and enhance psychosocial treatment adherence among the self-stigmatized individuals with schizophrenia during the active interventional stage. However, there was a lack of therapeutic maintenance effects during the 6-month follow-up period. Recommendations for further improving the effectiveness of self-stigma reduction program are suggested.

Self-stigma and stages of change as predictors of treatment adherence of individuals with schizophrenia

The current study aimed at exploring the relationship between self-stigma, readiness for change and psychosocial treatment adherence among individuals with schizophrenia. Between March 2007 and January 2008, 105 adults with schizophrenia were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to assess participants' level of self-stigma, readiness for change, insight, and general self-efficacy. The corresponding case therapists reported participants' level of treatment adherence, psychopathology, and global functioning. Findings of stepwise multiple regression suggested that individuals with higher global functioning, better readiness for action, and lower level of self-stigma demonstrated better treatment participation. Individuals with lesser severity of psychiatric symptoms and female participants had better treatment attendance. The results of discriminant function analysis showed the combined score of self-stigma, stages of change, and global functioning measures correctly classified 76.2% participants into adherent/nonadherent group membership. Suggestions for further studies and development of self-stigma reduction program to facilitate recovery and treatment adherence were made.

Self-stigma, stages of change and psychosocial treatment adherence among Chinese people with schizophrenia: a path analysis

Mental illness stigma is one of the key causes for poor psychosocial treatment adherence. The objective of this study was to explore the link between self-stigmatization and adherence via path analysis with insight and readiness for change conceptualized as the possible mediators. The direct effects of psychopathology causing non-adherence were also tested. One hundred and five participants with schizophrenia were recruited from five psychiatric settings in Hong Kong. Data concerning their level of stigma, insight, stages of change, psychopathology, and psychosocial treatment adherence were collected. Path analysis was used to test two hypothetical models. The findings supported the direct effects of self-stigma on reducing psychosocial treatment adherence, and its indirect influences mediated by insight and stages of change on treatment adherence. Psychopathology was also found to have a direct effect on undermining adherence. This model showed better model fit than the one which did not consider the direct effects of self-stigmatization and psychopathology. To conclude, this study deepened our understanding on the mechanism explaining how self-stigmatization undermines psychosocial treatment adherence. The findings provide direct implications on ways of formulating a self-stigma reduction program to combat self-stigma and its negative consequences.

Self-stigma of people with schizophrenia as predictor of their adherence to psychosocial treatment.

Treatment non-adherence has frequently been noticed among people with schizophrenia. Self-stigma towards one's mental illness is believed to be a contributing factor undermining adherence. This study aimed at obtaining empirical support regarding the relationship between psychosocial treatment adherence and self-stigma. Other significant predictors of adherence to psychosocial interventions were to be identified. Eighty-six people with DSM IV diagnoses of schizophrenia were recruited from psychiatric hospitals and community settings in Hong Kong. Their level of stigma, self-esteem, self-efficacy, insight, psychosocial treatment adherence and demographic data were collected. Multiple regression was used to investigate the adjusted relationship between psychosocial treatment adherence and the selected independent variables. Higher level of self-stigma, poorer current insight on the social consequences of having mental illness, and living with others were found to be significant predictors of poor psychosocial treatment attendance. Better self-esteem and current insight about the negative social consequences were significant predictors of better psychosocial treatment participation. Self-stigma and self-esteem exhibited the strongest contributions to psychosocial treatment adherence. Self-stigmatization is associated with the level of treatment adherence among people with schizophrenia, and its negative effect was found to intensify along the self-stigmatization process. Further studies to enhance understanding of self-stigma and improve treatment adherence are suggested.

Psychological factors affecting disease activity in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: medical adherence as a mediator

It is likely that nonadherence to treatment is one mediator of the effect of psychological factors on disease activity and course of cystic fibrosis. Nonadherence is a significant problem for patients with the disease. This review assesses adherence to multiple treatment components in cystic fibrosis and identifies factors associated with poor adherence. Based on this assessment, strategies aimed at enhancing adherence will be discussed. Adherence to treatment occurs less than 50% of the time in patients with cystic fibrosis, indicating poor adherence, which is particularly common in adolescents. Factors associated with poor adherence include psychiatric, psychological and emotional factors; family issues; and treatment-related problems. Recently, more information is being gathered regarding processes related to poor adherence. Psychological factors affecting physical conditions frequently occur in children with cystic fibrosis. Therefore, patients need to be routinely screened for coexisting psychosocial issues and treatment adherence problems. Adherence needs to be examined according to the specific treatment component, and with an understanding of factors that make adherence difficult for patients and families. This will enable healthcare teams to target individualized strategies to counteract nonadherence, with emphasis on the role of psychological and psychosocial factors.

Psychosocial factors and treatment adherence in paediatric HIV/AIDS

A social ecological model provides a promising framework for understanding the individual, family, and societal factors contributing to non-adherence to treatment of paediatric HIV. This study explored which factors relevant to this model are associated with caregivers’ adherence and child health outcomes. A cross-sectional design was utilized to assess relationships among current individual, familial, extra-familial factors, caregiver adherence, and viral load. Data were collected from 43 caregivers, and viral load data were obtained from the medical records of their HIV+ children. Caregiver drug and alcohol use and HIV+ status were associated with non-adherence and elevated viral load. Negative outcome expectancy was associated with lower adherence but was not significant in the multivariate analyses. Family factors were not significant, but these measures had low reliability in this sample. Extra-familial factors such as dissatisfaction with medical specialty care and more stressful life events were not directly associated with adherence but were related to increased caregiver substance use. Results of this first study to explore multiple predictors of adherence and health outcomes in paediatric HIV require replication with larger samples, but findings suggest caregiver characteristics that place children at risk for disease progression due to poor adherence to treatment.

Patterns of Adult Psychotherapy in Psychiatric Practice

Patterns of Adult Psychotherapy in Psychiatric Practice

Patients' Answers to Simple Questions About Treatment Satisfaction and Adherence and Depression Are Associated with Failure of HAART: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Psychosocial and behavioral factors have been shown to be associated with adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and treatment effectiveness. These factors have often been identified in selected populations through complex or time-consuming questionnaires. In this study we aimed at asking all the patients of a large population-based cohort receiving HAART a few short, explicit, and direct questions about these factors, and to examine the associations between their answers and prevalent treatment failure. All patients receiving HAART in western Denmark and central Copenhagen were offered participation. Participants answered a short, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire assessing psychosocial and behavioral factors and treatment adherence. Findings were linked with data on demographics, disease history, and treatment effect. Treatment failure was defined as two consecutive measurements of HIV-RNA above 400 copies per milliliter taken at least 14 days apart. Prevalence odds ratios were estimated by logistic regression. We found that a total of 887 of 1126 patients returned a completed questionnaire (response rate 79%). The overall rate of treatment failure in participants was 20%. Adjusted odds ratio estimates for treatment failure were 2.3 (confidence interval [CI] 1.3-4.3) for patients who stated poor treatment satisfaction, 2.1 (CI 1.2-3.7) for patients not fully disagreeing that they were depressed, and 2.8 (CI 1.5-5.4) for patients who stated to have been nonadherent within the preceding 4 days. Because of the cross-sectional nature of the study, causality could not be determined. These questions, however, may be relevant screening tools in clinical practice and in follow-up studies.