Behavioral factors of medical center patients regarding treatment compliance: confirmatory factor analysis model

Background: Although previous studies have explored the factors that influence therapeutic compliance, research on the interaction between psychosocial variables, educational strategies, and patient behaviors is limited. This study addresses this gap by aiming to propose a model to explain the barriers to adherence to prescribed therapies by health professionals.

Methods: A quantitative study of descriptive and explanatory scope was conducted, the data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire distributed among 137 participants during the first semester of the year 2023, using a non-probabilistic convenience sampling. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed, and the relationship between the previously defined constructs was identified by means of Cramer’s V coefficient.

Results: The main variables for understanding the factors that influence medical adherence are: individual variables, perception of disease severity, adherence to medical treatment, probability of taking preventive actions, and educational strategies. Significant associations were found between perception of disease severity and adherence to treatment (R=0.393, Cramer’s V=0.363), adaptation to the medical regimen and the probability of taking preventive actions (R=0.234, Cramer’s V=0.374), as well as between educational strategies and the probability of taking preventive actions (R=0.304, Cramer’s V=0.304).

Conclusions: This study provides a quantitative structural model that enhances our understanding of the factors influencing adherence to medical treatment. The strong association between the perception of disease severity, educational strategies, and the likelihood of taking preventive actions suggests that future interventions should focus on these aspects.