Correlates of expected success at adherence to health regimen of people with IDDM.

Patient non-adherence is a well-recognized although poorly understood phenomenon that affects patients in all areas of health care. Failure to comply with health regimens is extremely costly both in economic terms and the health status of individuals. This study assesses factors which correlate with the expected success of health regimen adherence in 146 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) subjects. The results indicate that success in complying with a health regimen is associated with good family support and rapport with health professionals, an absence of chronic stress and the capacity to take up the challenges posed by the disease. Health professionals have a role in engendering optimism, in maintaining enthusiasm, and facilitating and encouraging maintenance in health behaviours.