Reliability and validity of the Beliefs About Medication Scale in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Low adherence is a pervasive issue among youth with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), yet our understanding of perceived adherence barriers is hampered by a lack of validated instruments. This study sought to address this by evaluating the reliability and predictive validity of the Beliefs About Medication Scale (BAMS) among youth with IBD. Seventy-six youth (ages 11-18) with IBD who were prescribed a daily oral IBD medication completed baseline ratings of perceived adherence barriers via the BAMS. Parents provided information about patient demographic and disease factors. Subjective medication adherence was assessed via the medication adherence measure. Objective medication adherence was assessed via Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) Track Caps. BAMS subscales demonstrated adequate internal consistency ( αs = .78-.90) and test-retest reliability ( rs = .64-.79). BAMS subscales reliably distinguished between adherent and low adherent groups, though intent to adhere (IA) was the only independent predictor of adherence status. The BAMS holds promise as a tool for assessing adherence barriers among adolescents with IBD. IA may be of particular value in identifying adolescents at risk for low adherence.

Medication adherence and complementary therapy usage in inflammatory bowel disease patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

“…The BMQ is a validated questionnaire that assesses personal beliefs around medications including concern, necessity, overuse, and harm. 15 The BMQ has been validated in various chronic diseases including IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and asthma. 15,17 The Necessity score assesses the perceived necessity of the prescribed medication.…”

“…15 The BMQ has been validated in various chronic diseases including IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and asthma. 15,17 The Necessity score assesses the perceived necessity of the prescribed medication. The Concern score assesses concerns about potential adverse effects from the prescribed medication.…”

“…[12][13][14] The beliefs about medicines questionnaire (BMQ) was developed to understand the medication-related beliefs of people with chronic illnesses. 15,16 Necessity, as measured by the BMQ, has been associated with adherence in non-IBD populations. 17 Similarly, greater levels of medication concern as measured by the BMQ have been associated with nonadherence.…”

“…The beliefs about medicines questionnaire (BMQ) was developed to understand the medication‐related beliefs of people with chronic illnesses 15,16 . Necessity, as measured by the BMQ, has been associated with adherence in non‐IBD populations 17 .…”