Objective
To pilot test the feasibility and acceptability of a family-based group behavioral intervention to improve medication adherence in adolescents diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Methods
Participants were 40 adolescents age 11-18 years diagnosed with IBD and their primary caregivers, who were randomized to either a 4-session Family-Based Group Behavioral Treatment or Usual Care over a 6-week period. Adherence was measured using a mutli-method, multi-informant assessment involving caregiver- and patient-report, pill count data, and electronic monitoring.
Results
Adherence rates ranged from 66-89% for 6-MP/azathioprine and 51-93% for mesalamine across assessment methods. The intervention was feasible, as evidenced by the 99% treatment session attendance rate, and acceptable based on patient and caregiver report. Repeated measures ANOVA tests revealed nonsignificant differences between the conditions from baseline to post-treatment assessments for pill count, electronic monitor, and primary caregiver-reported adherence (p's> .05). There was a statistically significant improvement in patient-reported mesalamine adherence represented by a significant main effect for Condition (F = 22.24, p< .01; δ = .79) and Condition X Time interaction (F = 13.32, p< .05; δ = .69).
Conclusions
Findings suggest potential for use of behavioral intervention to improve medication adherence in this population. This intervention may be more effective with more complex regimens (e.g., multiple doses per day) such as those prescribed with mesalamine. Further research is needed to examine this type of intervention in more diverse samples with more active disease. Use of alternative adherence measurement approaches, including electronic pill boxes and/or real-time self-report (e.g., via text messaging, electronic diaries, etc.) is also recommended.