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Theory of planned behavior and adherence in chronic illness: a meta-analysis

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Abstract

Social-cognitive models such as the theory of planned behavior have demonstrated efficacy in predicting behavior, but few studies have examined the theory as a predictor of treatment adherence in chronic illness. We tested the efficacy of the theory for predicting adherence to treatment in chronic illness across multiple studies. A database search identified 27 studies, meeting inclusion criteria. Averaged intercorrelations among theory variables were computed corrected for sampling error using random-effects meta-analysis. Path-analysis using the meta-analytically derived correlations was used to test theory hypotheses and effects of moderators. The theory explained 33 and 9 % of the variance in intention and adherence behavior respectively. Theoretically consistent patterns of effects among the attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, intention and behavior constructs were found with small-to-medium effect sizes. Effect sizes were invariant across behavior and measurement type. Although results support theory predictions, effect sizes were small, particularly for the intention-behavior relationship.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Selena Russo for her assistance with data extraction and analysis, Jemma Todd for her assistance with R Studio and the authors who sent additional data.

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Antonia Rich, Kim Brandes, Barbara Mullan, Martin S. Hagger declare that they have no conflict of interest to disclose

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Rich, A., Brandes, K., Mullan, B. et al. Theory of planned behavior and adherence in chronic illness: a meta-analysis. J Behav Med 38, 673–688 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-015-9644-3

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