Date of Completion

5-5-2018

Embargo Period

5-5-2018

Advisors

Dean Cruess, PhD; Amy Gorin, PhD; Howard Tennen, PhD

Field of Study

Psychology

Degree

Master of Science

Open Access

Open Access

Abstract

Emerging adulthood is a period of increasing independence commonly associated with declines in medication adherence. Daily medication is prescribed to college-aged women at disproportionate rates compared to their male peers, but little is know about potential risk factors for poor medication adherence among this population. This study sought to assess the prevalence of adherence problems among this emerging adult population, and to identify psychosocial variables associated with poor adherence. Participants completed a series of online questionnaires regarding medication use, adherence, and number of demographic and psychosocial variables, and regression analyses were used to identify associated risk factors. Results indicated that adherence problems were highly prevalent in our sample, and were associated with certain beliefs about medications, perceived barriers to adherence, psychological distress, social support, and global executive functioning. These findings suggest a unique constellation of risk factors for adherence problems among young women, which may help to inform future interventions.

Major Advisor

Dean Cruess, PhD

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