Findings:  The sample consisted of 37 men and 82 women, who were age 28 to 86, and 76% Caucasian. Based on EFA, 19 of the 28 questions asked regarding beliefs were retained in the model. These 19-items loaded onto 4-factors: ‘Reduce dosing to manage symptoms’, ‘Confusion with dosing’, ‘Belief in effectiveness of oral agent’, and ‘Trouble with affordability’. Cronbach’s alpha corresponding to these 4-factors was 0.82, 0.89, 0.84, and 0.72 respectively. Validation of subscales was assessed by observing differences in adherence to oral agents. Differences in adherence were found for ‘Confusion with dosing’ (p=0.012) and ‘Trouble with affordability’ (p=0.003), while no differences were found for “Reduces dosing to manage symptoms’ or ‘Belief in effectiveness of oral agent’ (p>0.05). Patients who believed they were less confused about the regimen dosing schedule or had  fewer affordability problems, were more likely to adhere to oral agents.

 

Implications:  Nurses should provide detailed written and verbal information on the oral agent regimen dosing schedule, and confirm patient understanding, to reduce confusion with dosing. Affordability with oral agents should be assessed for all patients, and assistance with payment should be sought from insurers or drug companies, for those who need it.