This chapter addresses adherence, which is loosely defined as following the
medical regimen, for a child with a chronic illness. Children with chronic illnesses often
have complex regimens. They and their parents can benefit from support for taking their
medications as well as for following dietary and exercise recommendations. Use of
rewards and reminder notes and calendars can be helpful tools for improving recall of
the multiple steps of a medical regimen. Adolescence may be a special risk period for
poor adherence and careful monitoring of adherence at this stage, and referral when
needed, can be supportive for families and the adolescent him- or herself. Education and
improving the health knowledge of the child and his or her parents and encouraging a
team approach may be other factors that strengthen adherence to complex medication
schedules and medical regimens.
Keywords: Adherence, adherence barriers, adolescent adherence, facilitating
adherence, medical compliance, medication schedules.
