The Meaning of Compliance: Patient Perspectives

Abstract

Compliance with medical regimens is a lifelong issue for people with chronic health problems, yet most research on compliance excludes the perspective of such people. This article presents the patient's view, using data from a study of 23 rural African Americans living with chronic health conditions in the southeastern United States. Study findings suggest that patients and health professionals assume different definitions of compliance and have different treatment goals in mind. Patients define compliance in terms of apparent "good health" and seek treatment approaches which are manageable, livable, and, in their view, effective. Thus they develop systems of self-management which are suited to their life-styles, belief patterns, and personal priorities. While many of these people would be labeled noncompliant by health professionals, they see themselves as "doing a pretty good job. "