Factors influencing illness representations and perceived adherence in haemophilic patients: a pilot study

Illness representations of chronic patients are important to explain adherence and preventive behaviours. However, it is unclear if the patient's objective health status may influence illness representations and perceived adherence. This study explored if health status and socio-demographic characteristics influence illness representations and perceived adherence in haemophilic patients. Fifty patients (25 on-demand and 25 on prophylaxis) ageing from 13-73, completed the Illness Perceptions Questionnaire-Revised and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Patients' cognitive illness representations were influenced by type of treatment, haemophilia severity, presence of inhibitor and co-morbidity. Perceived chronicity was influenced by patient's age (P = 0.021). Perceived adherence was not influenced by the health status, but was affected by the relationship status (P = 0.048). Perceived adherence was predicted by perceived chronicity (β = 0.412; P = 0.003) and by emotions (β = -0.308; P = 0.023). Patient's health status seems to affect cognitive illness representations but not perceived adherence. Perceived chronicity and negative emotions, which affected perceived adherence, were not influenced by the health status. Physician-patient communication addressing perceived chronicity and emotions rather than patients' health status may influence patient's adherence. Psycho-educational groups could be offered to promote patient's well-being and adjustment to haemophilia, and improve adherence.