Developing and validating a theoretical measure of modifiable influences on hormonal therapy medication taking behaviour in women with breast cancer

Citation

Cahir C, Dombrowski SU, Kennedy MJ, Sharp L & Bennett KE (2017) Developing and validating a theoretical measure of modifiable influences on hormonal therapy medication taking behaviour in women with breast cancer. Psychology and Health, 32 (10), pp. 1308-1326. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2017.1296151

Abstract
Objective: Taking adjuvant hormonal therapy for 5-10 years is recommended to prevent breast cancer recurrence in those with estrogen positive disease. Despite proven clinical efficacy many women do not take their hormonal therapy as prescribed. This study reports the development and initial validation of a questionnaire measuring the behavioural determinants of hormonal therapy medication taking behaviour (MTB) based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).  Design: Women with Stage I-III breast cancer (N=223) completed the questionnaire based on the TDF. The TDF is an integrative framework consisting of 14 domains of behaviour change determinants to inform intervention design.  Main outcome measures: Items were developed from previous research, in-depth patient interviews and consultation with health professionals. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was undertaken to generate the model of best fit.  Results: The final questionnaire consisted of 8 domains and CFA produced a reasonable fit (χ2(810)=942, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.03 ; CFI = 0.93 and WRMR=0.91) as well as internal consistency (r=0.16 to 0.64). There were adequate levels of discriminant validity for the majority of the domains.  Conclusions: A TDF based measure of the behavioural determinants of MTB was developed. Further research is needed to confirm the reliability and validity of this measure.

Keywords
Theoretical Domains Framework; medication taking behaviour; breast cancer; adherence; hormonal therapy

Journal
Psychology and Health: Volume 32, Issue 10

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Dr Stephan Dombrowski

Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Psychology