DEVELOPMENT OF THE LONG-TERM MEDICATION BEHAVIOR SELF-EFFICACY SCALE - QUALITATIVE STUDY FOR ITEM DEVELOPMENT

There are no published instruments of patient self-efficacy related to medication behaviour, yet understanding and promoting medication comp liance are central to nursing practice. The purpose of this qualitativ e study was to explore patient perceptions, experiences and practices associated with long-term medication behaviour in order to establish a n instrument measuring self-efficacy in medication behaviour. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 patients with lifelong dependency o n medicine. Using a phenomenological method of analysis the following themes emerged, all of which could be integrated within Bandura's conc eptualization of dimensions of self-efficacy. The dimension of persona l attributes comprised the themes of emotional distress, confidence in the physician, perceived health status, and normalcy. Environmental f actors included the themes of routine, distraction, social support and cost of medication. The third dimension of self-efficacy, task-relate d and behavioural factors was composed of the themes of side-effects, drug delivery system, medication aids, medication schedule, and knowle dge. Based on these themes, items for the Long-Term Medication Behavio ur Self-Efficacy Scale, were developed and integrated into a version t hat is currently being submitted to further psychometric work.