Health beliefs affect the correct replacement of daily disposable contact lenses: Predicting compliance with the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Issue 1 (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Livi, Stefano; Zeri, Fabrizio; Baroni, Rossella
• Is Part Of: Contact lens & anterior eye. Volume 40:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Daily disposable contact lenses -- Compliance -- Health Behavioural Theories -- Health Belief Model -- Theory of Planned Behaviour; Anterior segment (Eye) -- Periodicals; Contact lenses -- Periodicals; Segment antérieur (Œil) -- Périodiques; Lentilles de contact -- Périodiques; 617.752305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2016.09.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-0484

Abstract

Highlights: The study assesses the compliance of Daily Disposable Contact Lenses (DDCLs) wearers with replacing lenses. Frequency of past compliance and future intentions to comply were measured. In order to predict past and future compliance health belief variables from Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behavior model were measured. Results show that 23% of DDCLs wearers were non-compliant with manufacturer-recommended replacement frequency. Social influence behavioural control, perceived severity of CL-caused eye infection and its prevention are of important for compliance. Abstract: Purpose: To assess the compliance of Daily Disposable Contact Lenses (DDCLs) wearers with replacing lenses at a manufacturer-recommended replacement frequency. To evaluate the ability of two different Health Behavioural Theories (HBT), The Health Belief Model (HBM) and The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), in predicting compliance. Method: A multi-centre survey was conducted using a questionnaire completed anonymously by contact lens wearers during the purchase of DDCLs. Results: Three hundred and fifty-four questionnaires were returned. The survey comprised 58.5% females and 41.5% males (mean age 34 ± 12 years). Twenty-three percent of respondents were non-compliant with manufacturer-recommended replacement frequency (re-using DDCLs at least once). The main reason for re-using DDCLs was "to save money" (35%). Predictions of compliance behaviour (past behaviour or future intentions) on the basis of the two HBT was investigated through logistic regression analysis: both TPB factors (subjective norms and perceived behavioural control) were significant (p < 0.01); HBM was less predictive with only the severity (past behaviour and future intentions) and perceived benefit (only for past behaviour) as significant factors (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Non-compliance with DDCLs replacement is widespread, affecting 1 out of 4 Italian wearers. Results from the TPB model show that the involvement of persons socially close to the wearers (subjective norms) and the improvement of the procedure of behavioural control of daily replacement (behavioural control) are of paramount importance in improving compliance. With reference to the HBM, it is important to warn DDCLs wearers of the severity of a contact-lens-related eye infection, and to underline the possibility of its prevention.