Compliance with treatment for postpolio sequelae: effect of type A behavior, self-concept, and loneliness

To examine the effect of Type A behavior, self-concept, and loneliness on completion of and compliance with a postpolio sequelae treatment program, all 204 individuals who had been evaluated by the Postpolio Service were mailed the Postpolio Fatigue Questionnaire, the revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale. Patients were also asked to rate the frequency of assistive device use, their engaging in self-care activities, and requesting physical assistance from others; they had previously been administered the brief Type A Scale. Of the 46 respondents, 63% had completed the Postpolio Sequelae treatment program (completers), and 37% had either been discharged for noncompliance or refused treatment (noncompleters). Wheelchair use was significantly positively correlated with age at the time of contracting polio, number of limbs affected by polio, the Loneliness score, and months since leaving the treatment program, but significantly negatively correlated with Social Self and Family Self scores on the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale. Family Self score was significantly negatively correlated with crutch use but significantly positively correlated with asking co-workers for assistance. The frequency of taking two 15-minute breaks each day was significantly negatively correlated with a Type A score. Noncompleters reported a 61% increase in muscle weakness compared with a 1% decrease for completers. These results indicate that Type A behavior must be decreased so polio survivors complete and comply with a postpolio sequelae treatment program, be able to make necessary lifestyle changes, and possibly feel less lonely. Friends and family members must help polio survivors to accept lifestyle changes and support new assistive device use if patients are to feel valuable within their families and society and treat their postpolio sequelae.