Abstract
Context: The purpose of this independent research project was to identify factors that contribute to parents of disabled children's adherence in attending therapy. This study may assist therapists in recognizing factors that could help increase adherence rates. Objective: The following research questions were examined. 1. What is the general adherence level of the population in which the survey was administered? 2. What factors influence adherence levels of parents with children receiving therapy? Methods: The study design was an exploratory quantitative design using a self-report questionnaire that included structured questions to identify the participant's perception of his/her adherence levels to their child's therapy. Data from this completed study may help in identifying potential factors that influence adherence to therapy regimes. The finalized survey was distributed to participants at the clinics and was completed during the physical therapy treatment. Results: In this study, 35% (n=35) of the 100 questionnaires administered to the participating clinics were returned, at the low end of the expected response rate. Of the returned questions, only two were deemed unusable due to either questions not answered or answered incorrectly. The final sample included 33 respondents. Overall, 76% of the participants to whom the questionnaire was administered reported canceling therapy sessions (n=25) up to 25% of the time while 24% (n=8) reported no cancellations. The age of the parent, the ratio of adults to children in the home, the age of the children, the Parental Adherence 5 type of therapy received, the presence of a home exercise program, and the distance to the clinic were all factors contributing to adherence levels. Recommendations: More research is needed with an increased sample size. Additionally, because of the known limitations of self-reporting, comparison of self-reported levels of adherence with verified clinic documentation of adherence is recommended.