Development and Validation of the Barriers Questionnaire - Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Patient- and Parent-report Measures

Abstract

Medication adherence among patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) varies widely, suggesting some patients may not benefit fully from their medication regimens. Assessment of adherence barriers would assist clinicians and families in determining targets for adherence-promoting interventions. In this study the psychometric properties of the Barriers Questionnaire - JIA (BQ-JIA, patient- and parent-report measures) were tested. Thirty-five patients with JIA and their parents completed measures of adherence (self-report and pill count), barriers, and beliefs about medication taking. The 18-item barriers measures demonstrated variable internal consistency (Cronbach's á = 0.41 and 0.72, patient and parent versions) and strong test-retest reliability over a brief period (median = 19 days). Concurrent, convergent, and divergent validity were supported through correlations with other study measures. Predictive and incremental validity were tentatively supported. Patient age moderated the relationship between parent-reported barriers and pill count adherence. The BQ-JIA measures showed promise as clinically useful measures of adherence barriers.