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Research Scientist, Center for Health Outcomes Research, United BioSource Corporation, Bethesda, MD
Manager, Applied Outcomes and Analysis, Health Management Innovations, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC
Senior Research Leader, Center for Health Outcomes Research, United BioSource Corporation
Senior Manager, Care Management Solutions, Health Management Innovations, GlaxoSmithKline
President, Malley Research Programming, Inc., Rockville, MD
Research Director, Clinical Health Psychologist, Duke Integrative Medicine; Assistant Professor–IV, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
Reprints: Dr. Matza, Center for Health Outcomes Research, United BioSource Corporation, 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814, fax 301/654-9864, louis.matza{at}unitedbiosource.com
BACKGROUND: The ASK-20 survey is a previously validated patient-report measure of barriers to medication adherence and adherence-related behavior.
OBJECTIVE: To derive and validate a shorter version of the ASK-20 scale.
METHODS: Patients with asthma, diabetes, and congestive heart failure were recruited from a university medical center. Participants completed the ASK-20 survey and other questionnaires. Approximately one-third of participants were randomized to a 2-week retest administration. Item performance and results of an exploratory factor analysis were examined for item reduction and subscale identification. Subsequent analyses examined reliability and validity of the shorter version of the ASK.
RESULTS: A total of 112 patients participated (75.9% female; mean
age 46.7 y; 53.6% African American). Eight items were dropped from the ASK-20
based on factor loadings, floor effects, Cronbach's
, and the ability
of each item to discriminate between groups of patients differing in
self-reported adherence. The new total score (ASK-12) had good internal
consistency reliability (Cronbach's
0.75) and test-retest reliability
(intraclass correlation 0.79). Convergent validity was demonstrated through
correlations with the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (r –0.74; p
< 0.001), condition-specific measures, the SF-12 Mental Component Score (r
–0.32; p < 0.01), and proportion of days covered by filled medication
prescriptions in the past 6 months as indicated by pharmacy claims data (r
–0.20; p = 0.059). The ASK-12 total score also discriminated among
groups of patients who differed in self-reported adherence indicators,
including whether a dose was missed in the past week, the number of days
medication was not taken as directed, and treatment satisfaction. Three
subscales were identified (adherence behavior, health beliefs,
inconvenience/forgetfulness), and results provided initial support for their
validity.
CONCLUSIONS: The ASK-12 demonstrated adequate reliability and validity, and it may be a useful brief measure of adherence behavior and barriers to treatment adherence.
Key Words: adherence, ASK, chronic diseases, health-related quality of life, reliability, validity
Published Online, September 22, 2009. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1M174