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Susan Penza-Clyve, Elizabeth L. McQuaid, Book Review: Adherence to Pediatric Medical Regimens, Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Volume 26, Issue 5, July 2001, Pages 285–286, https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/26.5.285
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In recent decades, remarkable advances have been made in the medical treatment of pediatric conditions. Despite these advances, many children with acute and chronic physical illnesses continue to require repeated hospitalizations, frequent visits to emergency departments, and numerous school absences. One primary reason for continued morbidity due to illness is poor adherence to treatment regimens. Michael Rapoff's Adherence to Pediatric Medical Regimens provides a comprehensive overview of the factors related to adherence, theoretical models of adherence, methods for assessing adherence and related constructs (e.g., disease and health status), strategies to improve adherence, and a critical analysis of existing adherence interventions. These issues are covered with a focus on both chronic diseases (e.g., asthma, diabetes, cancer) and acute illnesses (e.g., otitis media).
The text begins with a review in chapter 1 of the relevant literature on prevalence rates of pediatric chronic illness, negative consequences of nonadherence, and various correlates of adherence such as patient factors, family variables, aspects of the illness, and the specifics of the medical regimen itself. Effects of nonadherence on research protocols and their implications for clinical decisions and general health care (e.g., increasing morbidity, decreasing cost-effectiveness) are highlighted. Patients at risk for poor adherence are identified. The author provides not only a convincing rationale for the study of adherence but also integral information for allied health professionals and researchers alike to pinpoint the children and families most likely to be affected and the potential consequences they may experience as a result of poor adherence.
