The relationship of self-perception of illness and compliance with health care regimens.

Concern over the degree of non-compliance among chronically ill patients promoted the development of a survey based on the premise that there is a correlation between self-perception of health and compliance with health care regimens. Survey results determined that there was a significant relationship between self-perception of health and compliance with health care regimens for 106 chronically ill subjects. There was a significant difference in self-perception of illness between adults and children surveyed. There was no difference in compliance rates between the two groups. Techniques to aid patients in altering their self-perceptions regarding their illnesses are discussed.