The relationship of self-perception of illness and compliance with health care regimens

Concern over the degree of non‐compliance among chronically ill patients promoted the development of a survey based on the premise that there is a correlation between self‐perception of health and compliance with health care regimens. Survey results determined that there was a significant relationship between self‐perception of health and compliance with health care regimens for 106 chronically ill subjects. There was a significant difference in self‐perception of illness between adults and children surveyed. There was no difference in compliance rates between the two groups. Techniques to aid patients in altering their self‐perceptions regarding their illnesses are discussed.