Applying the Health Belief Model to Identify Factors Associated With Owner Persistence to Allergen-Specific...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Animal Health Management
• Behavioral Science in Medicine

Background:

• Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is a key treatment for canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) and feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS).
• Owner adherence to ASIT is crucial but challenging, impacting treatment efficacy.
• The Health Belief Model (HBM) offers a framework to understand owner decision-making regarding ASIT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate owner perceptions influencing ASIT persistence in cAD and FASS.
• To identify modifiable psychological and logistical factors for sustained ASIT use.
• To apply the HBM to canine and feline atopic skin disease management.

Main Methods:

• Survey of owners with pets on ASIT across four veterinary dermatology practices.
• Assessment of HBM constructs (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, social support) and knowledge.
• Analysis of owner-reported ASIT refill behavior as a proxy for persistence using chi-square and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Positive associations found between perceived disease severity, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy with ASIT persistence.
• Owners perceiving their pet's condition as severe, ASIT as effective, and feeling confident administering treatment showed higher persistence.
• Cost and administration challenges were identified as significant perceived barriers to ASIT adherence.

Conclusions:

• Psychological factors, particularly perceived disease severity, treatment benefits, and owner self-efficacy, are critical for ASIT persistence.
• HBM-informed educational interventions focusing on disease impact, treatment value, and owner confidence can enhance ASIT adherence.
• Improved persistence with ASIT supports better long-term management of cAD and FASS.