Understanding the predictors of medication adherence: applying temporal self-regulation theory

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to explore the applicability of temporal self-regulation theory (TST) in adherence to medication, using two self-report measures of behaviour.

Design

Recruited through TurkPrime, 191 US adults completed a two-part study.

Main outcome measures

TST constructs of intention, behavioural prepotency (past behaviour, habit, cues), self-regulation (self-control, planning) with regimen complexity, and side effects were measured at time one. At time two, adherence behaviour over the previous week was measured using a revised medication adherence rating scale and an adapted timeline follow-back.

Results

Constructs of TST accounted for 51.5% of variance in adherence as assessed by the rating scale. Past behaviour and cues were significant. Habit and planning moderated the intention-adherence relationship. Similarly, the TST constructs accounted for 20.6% of variance when measured by the timeline follow-back. Intention, cues and self-control were significant predictors. Interestingly, cues was the only common significant predictor.

Conclusion

TST was partially supported and the role of both rational and automatic factors was supported, however findings differed depending on the type of measure. Future developers of interventions may consider targeting cues to improve medication adherence. Future research also needs to further explore the role of intention, past behaviour, self-control, habit and planning in medication adherence.

Keywords:

• Medication adherence
• temporal self-regulation theory
• habit
• cues
• planning

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Australian Government for providing support through the Stipend Scholarship program for Higher Degree by Research students.

Disclosure statement

There is no conflict of interest to report.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This study did not receive any funding.