Adherence to medication, diet, and activity recommendations: from assessment to maintenance.

Inadequate adherence to treatment regimens has been a concern of health care providers for more than two decades. However, it continues to have a significant impact on morbidity and health care cost. Poor adherence crosses ethnic and age groups, socioeconomic strata, acute and chronic diseases, and treatment regimens. Depending on the population, the prescribed regimen, and the definition or measure of adherence used, rates vary from 10% to 85%. The consequences of absent or partial adherence are observed in the research arena and all types of clinical settings. Educational and behavioral strategies may prevent or remediate adherence problems.