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. 2016 Apr 7:13:E46.
doi: 10.5888/pcd13.160005.

Effect of Financial Stress and Positive Financial Behaviors on Cost-Related Nonadherence to Health Regimens Among Adults in a Community-Based Setting

Minal R Patel  1 , Daniel J Kruger  2 , Suzanne Cupal  3 , Marc A Zimmerman  2
Affiliations

Effect of Financial Stress and Positive Financial Behaviors on Cost-Related Nonadherence to Health Regimens Among Adults in a Community-Based Setting

Minal R Patel et al. Prev Chronic Dis. .

Abstract

Introduction: Little is known about the role of positive financial behaviors (behaviors that allow maintenance of financial stability with financial resources) in mitigating cost-related nonadherence (CRN) to health regimens. This study examined the relationships between positive financial behaviors, financial stress, and CRN.

Methods: Data came from the 2011 Speak to Your Health! Community Survey (n = 1,234). Descriptive statistics were computed to examine financial stress and CRN, by chronic condition and health insurance status. We used multivariate logistic regression models to examine the relationship between positive financial behaviors and financial stress and their interaction on a composite score of CRN, controlling for health insurance status, educational level, age, marital status, number of chronic conditions, and employment status.

Results: Thirty percent of the sample engaged in CRN. Participants reported moderate financial stress (mean, 13.85; standard deviation [SD] = 6.97), and moderate positive financial behavior (mean, 8.84; SD = 3.24). Participants with employer-sponsored insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, the Genesee Health Plan, high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes had the highest proportion of CRN. The relationship between financial stress and CRN was not significantly different between those who reported lower versus higher levels of positive financial behavior (P = .32). Greater financial stress was associated with a greater likelihood of CRN (odds ratio [OR] = 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.08-2.99). Higher level of positive financial behavior was associated with a lower likelihood of CRN (OR = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67-0.94).

Conclusion: Financial literacy as a means of promoting positive financial behavior may help reduce CRN. An intervention strategy focused on improving financial literacy may be relevant for high-risk groups who report high levels of financial stress.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mean level of financial stress, by chronic condition and health insurance status. Mean level of financial stress is a composite score based on 6 items; scores ranged from 1 to 30, with 1 indicating low levels of stress and 30 indicating levels of high stress. Speak to Your Health! Community Survey, 2011. [Table: see text]
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cost-related nonadherence behaviors, by chronic condition and health insurance status. Cost-related nonadherence is a composite binary measure of a positive response to 1 of 2 cost-cutting behaviors with the treatment regimen. Speak to Your Health! Community Survey, Michigan, 2011. [Table: see text]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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