The psychology of patient compliance: a focused review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Excellent patient compliance to periodontal maintenance is absolutely necessary for successful long-term therapy. However, absolute (100%) compliance is rare, having been reported as low as 16%. Although social, behavioral, cultural, and economic factors have been implicated as determinants in patterns of compliance, the influence of personality characteristics on attitudes remains to be carefully explored. This focused review of the literature explores current research addressing psychologic factors associated with compliance to periodontal maintenance therapy.

Methods: A literature search of PubMed electronic database was conducted, inclusive of the years 1990 to 2011. The search used MeSH terminology such as periodontal maintenance, emotional intelligence, personality, patient compliance, etc. In addition, searches were conducted of reference lists from original research and review articles. Studies were assessed with respect to methodology and design, statistical analysis, and psychologic measurements.

Results: Non-compliant patients appear to have a higher frequency of stressful life events. Studies suggest that initial patient response to periodontal therapy may be related to emotional intelligence. Regarding personality factors, high neuroticism and low conscientiousness are most widely associated with non-compliance. As such, increased knowledge of the "Big Five" personality factors (i.e., neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) could assist clinicians in potentially increasing compliance among patients. Clinicians could also incorporate a working knowledge of the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behavior to develop individualized treatment strategies for patient compliance.

Conclusion: Non-compliance to periodontal maintenance cannot be solely explained by one determinant but rather may involve an individual's health beliefs, emotional intelligence, psychologic stressors, and personality traits.