Lustman - measures of adherence

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To see if there was a link between depression and non-adherence in diabetic patients medication.

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

A randomised controlled double blind study

Question 3

participants

Answer 3

60 patients with type 1 or 2 diabetics and diagnosed with depression. volunteer sample.

Question 4

Procedure

Answer 4

Patients randomly allocated to fluoxetine group (used to treat depression) or the placebo group. both patients and doctors were blind to the conditions.

patients assessed for depression using psychometric tests and their adherence to diabetic medical regime was assessed by measuring their blood sugar levels.

After 8 weeks were tested

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

Patients given fluoxetine reported lower levels of depression

Patients given fluoxetine had lower blood sugar levels indicating improved adherence.

If their depression was being medicated, they were more likely to adhere to their diabetic regimes.

Question 6

Conclusions

Answer 6

greater adherence was shown by patients who were less depressed showing that not being anxious or depressed improves compliance with medical requests.