Predicting adherence to acupuncture appointments for low back pain: a prospective observational study

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Acupuncture is a widely used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy.
• Understanding patient adherence to acupuncture treatment recommendations is crucial but not well-established.
• This study investigated theoretically-derived predictors of adherence to acupuncture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key factors influencing patient adherence to recommended acupuncture treatment plans.
• To explore the role of illness perceptions, treatment beliefs, and treatment appraisals in acupuncture adherence.
• To test predictors of attendance for acupuncture appointments in patients with low back pain.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 324 adults receiving acupuncture for low back pain.
• Validated questionnaires assessed illness perceptions, treatment beliefs, and appraisals at baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.
• Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of adherence to all recommended appointments.

Main Results:

• 51% of participants attended all recommended acupuncture appointments.
• Adherence was significantly predicted by positive appraisals of acupuncture credibility, the acupuncturist, and treatment practicalities, alongside pro-acupuncture beliefs.
• A multivariable model explained 20% of the variance in adherence and correctly classified 65.4% of participants.

Conclusions:

• Patient beliefs and perceptions play a significant role in adherence to acupuncture treatment.
• Illness perceptions, treatment beliefs, and treatment appraisals are important predictors of attendance.
• Acupuncturists and service organizers can implement strategies to enhance patient adherence and potentially improve outcomes.