The influence of personality traits and beliefs about medicines on adherence to asthma treatment

01 Jun 2011

AIM

To explore the influence of personality traits and beliefs about medicines on adherence to treatment with asthma medication.

METHODS

Respondents were 35 asthmatic adults prescribed controller medication. They answered questionnaires about medication adherence, personality traits, and beliefs about medicines.

RESULTS

In gender comparisons, the personality traits "Neuroticism" in men and "adherence to medication" were associated with lower adherent behaviour. Associations between personality traits and beliefs in the necessity of medication for controlling the illness were identified. Beliefs about the necessity of medication were positively associated with adherent behaviour in women. In the total sample, a positive "necessity-concern" differential predicted adherent behaviour.

CONCLUSION

The results imply that personality and beliefs about medicines may influence how well adults with asthma adhere to treatment with asthma medication.

Resource information

Respiratory conditions
  • Asthma
Respiratory topics
  • Disease management
Type of resource
Peer-reviewed article
Author(s)
Emilsson M, Berndtsson I, Lötvall J, Millqvist E, Lundgren J, Johansson A, Brink E