Understanding Adherence to Anti-Hypertensive Medication: a Theory Based Approach, 2002-2005

The social-psychological mechanisms that underpin adherence to anti-hypertensive medication are poorly understood. It has been estimated that, within the first year of diagnosis, up to 50% of patients prescribed anti-hypertension agents discontinue their medication, or do not fully adhere to the regimen recommended by their general practitioner (GP). The purpose of this research project was to investigate both motivational and volitional influences on medication adherence within one theory-driven framework. <br> <br> The project included two linked studies. The first was an empirical study, in which a conceptual model of adherence to anti-hypertensive medication was developed, using an expanded version of Ajzen's (1991) 'Theory of Planned Behaviour' (TPB). The second was an intervention study, in which motivational, volitional, and combined motivational-volitional interventions designed to increase adherence, were tested. The TPB results informed the motivational conditions, and Gollwitzer's (1993) concept of implementation intentions, which deals with the problems people encounter in translating goals into action, informed the volitional ones.<br> <br> Further information about the project may be found on the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) <a href="http://www.esrcsocietytoday/esrcinfocentre/viewawardpage.aspx?awardnumber=R000239590" title="Understanding Adherence to Anti-Hypertensive Medication: a Theory Based Approach"> Understanding Adherence to Anti-Hypertensive Medication: a Theory Based Approach</a> grant award web page.<br>

目前学界对高血压药物治疗依从性背后的社会心理机制仍知之甚少。据估算，在确诊后的首年内，有高达50%的高血压药物处方患者会停止服药，或未完全遵循全科医师（General Practitioner，GP）推荐的治疗方案。本研究项目的核心目标是在单一理论驱动框架下，探究药物治疗依从性的动机性与意志性影响因素。<br><br>本项目包含两项关联研究：第一项为实证研究，研究者基于Ajzen（1991）提出的计划行为理论（Theory of Planned Behaviour，TPB）的扩展版本，构建了高血压药物治疗依从性的概念模型。第二项为干预研究，旨在测试用于提升依从性的动机性干预、意志性干预以及动机-意志联合干预方案。其中，计划行为理论的结果为动机性干预提供了理论依据，而Gollwitzer（1993）提出的执行意图（Implementation Intentions）概念——该概念聚焦于人们将目标转化为行动时面临的障碍——则为意志性干预提供了支撑。<br><br>关于本项目的更多详细信息，可访问经济和社会研究理事会（Economic and Social Research Council，ESRC）的资助项目网页：<a href="http://www.esrcsocietytoday/esrcinfocentre/viewawardpage.aspx?awardnumber=R000239590" title="Understanding Adherence to Anti-Hypertensive Medication: a Theory Based Approach">《基于理论方法的高血压药物治疗依从性研究》</a>。