Health Psychology Approaches to Improving Treatment Adherence Among Patients with Chronic Illnesses

Afika Dirga; Nana Muhktar; Indah Permata

doi:10.37899/mjdh.v2i1.267

Authors

Afika Dirga Keperawatan, STIKes Nani Hasanuddin Makassar
Nana Muhktar Keperawatan, STIKes Nani Hasanuddin Makassar
Indah Permata Keperawatan, STIKes Nani Hasanuddin Makassar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37899/mjdh.v2i1.267

Keywords:

Adherence Behavior, Chronic Illness Management, Culturally Sensitive Healthcare, Health Psychology, Patient-Centered Care, Psychological Resilience

Abstract

This study examines health psychology approaches to improving treatment adherence among patients with chronic illnesses, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. The research aims to explore how psychological, emotional, social, and cultural factors influence adherence behavior and how patients experience health psychology-based interventions within chronic illness management. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 25 purposively selected participants undergoing long-term treatment. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis supported by NVivo software to identify recurring themes and patterns related to adherence behavior. The findings indicate that treatment adherence is strongly influenced by illness perception, self-efficacy, emotional well-being, coping strategies, family support, and cultural beliefs. Counseling, motivational interviewing, and patient-centered educational approaches were perceived as effective in strengthening treatment commitment and improving patients’ confidence in managing chronic conditions. The novelty of this study lies in its integrative qualitative exploration of adherence as a multidimensional behavioral process shaped by interconnected psychological and sociocultural experiences. The study implies that healthcare systems should adopt holistic, culturally sensitive, and psychologically informed interventions to improve long-term treatment adherence and patient well-being.

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