Monitoring attentional style and medical regimen adherence in hemodialysis patients

Alan J. Christensen, University of Iowa
Patricia J. Moran
William J. Lawton
Deanna Stallman
Anne L. Voigts

Abstract

Previous research involving individuals facing chronic health problems suggests that an attentional style characterized by pronounced monitoring of threat-relevant information is associated with poorer behavioral and emotional adjustment. This study examined the hypothesis that a pronounced monitoring style would be associated with poorer medical regimen adherence in a sample of 51 chronic hemodialysis patients. Hierarchical regression analyses (controlling for demographic factors and trait anxiety) revealed that "high monitors" exhibited higher interdialysis weight gains and higher serum K values reflecting poorer adherence to fluid-intake and dietary restrictions. However, monitoring was not associated with a measure of medication adherence. Partial support was found for a model suggesting that a lack of perceived control is responsible for the relationship between higher monitoring and poorer adherence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved)