Factors associated with changes over time in medication-taking behavior up to 12 months after initial mild cerebral infarction onset

Purpose : The aim of this study was to clarify the changes in medication-taking behavior and related factors over time in patients with initial mild cerebral infarction up to 12 months after onset. Methods : Thirtyone patients with initial mild cerebral infarction were surveyed a total of four times : on admission to hospital, 3 months after onset, 6 months after onset, and 12 months after onset. Patients were surveyed regarding medication compliance, awareness of taking medication, perceived behavioral control, lifestyle risk factors, and subjective norms. Results :Medication compliance improved over time from the time of admission, but no changes were seen in awareness of taking medication. A cluster analysis based on changes in medication compliance over time revealed a “Persistently high compliance group” and a “Persistently low compliance group” for medication compliance. The health locus of control in the “Persistently high compliance group” was perceived as the result of chance and fate. Conclusions : Assessing the current state of medication compliance and the health locus of control during hospitalization permitted an understanding of patient characteristics, and indicated a need for recurrence prevention education and medication guidance tailored to each patient’s cognitive and behavioral characteristics.