Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Medication Beliefs and Locus of Control in Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment Adherence

Adherence to treatment regimens were investigated in eighty-three individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease. Personality traits of conscientiousness and agreeableness, necessity and concern medication beliefs and health locus of control were examined. This quasiexperimental, cross-sectional, correlational, quantitative and qualitative design consisted of an anonymous online survey with measures including Medication Adherence Questionnaire, two dimensions of the Big Five Inventory, the Belief about Medicines Questionnaire and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control. Results demonstrated poor adherence rates and personality traits can be associated with adherence behaviours. Higher medication concern beliefs were related to lower medication adherence. No significant findings were reported for internal locus of control, differences were reported for the chance dimension of external locus of control concurring with previous research. No associations were found between medication adherence and lifestyle adherence. Personality traits, medication beliefs and personal control beliefs are important for assessments, interventions and developing coping behaviours for adherence.