Adherence to health regimens among frequent attenders of Finnish healthcare

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe adherence to health regimens and the factors associated with it among adult frequent attenders (FAs).

Design

This was a cross-sectional study. The study sample consisted of 462 healthcare FAs in 7 municipal health centres in northern Finland. An FA is a person who has had 8 or more outpatient visits to a GP (in a health centre) or 4 or more outpatient visits to a university hospital during 1 year. The main outcome was self-reported adherence to health regimens.

Results

Of the FAs, 82% adhered well to their health regimens. Carrying out self-care, medical care and feeling responsible for self-care were the most significant predictors to good adherence in all models. No significant differences in adherence were found in male and female subjects, age groups or educational levels. Support from healthcare providers and support from relatives were not significant predictors of good adherence.

Conclusion

FAs in Finland adhere well to health regimens and exceptionally well to medication. Variables that predict the best adherence of FAs to health regimens are carrying out self-care, receiving medical care and feeling responsible for self-care.

• adherence
• frequent attender
• health regimen
• chronic disease

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the staff of health centres in northern Finland (in Ii, Pudasjärvi, Utajärvi, Vaala, Kiiminki, Muhos and Taivalkoski) for data collection.