The purpose of this study was to develop a Medication Adherence Scale for Persons with Coronary Artery Disease (MAS-CAD) based on a nursing perspective. This study was guided by scale development procedures, which consisted of 7 steps: 1) clarifying and determining the concept, 2) generating an item pool, 3) determining the format for measurement, 4) reviewing the initial item pool by 7 professional experts, 5) conducting preliminary item pilot study with 30 Thais with CAD, 6) conducting field-testing for psychometric property testing among 457 Thais with CAD who attended heart clinics of 7 tertiary hospitals in Thailand, and 7) developing scoring and interpretation of the scale scores. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, content validity index, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, confirmatory factor analysis by LISREL, and Pearson product moment correlation. The results showed that the MAS-CAD is a self-report instrument, comprised of 5 rating Likert-scale categorical format, composed of 25 items covering 4 constructs; proper knowledge of prescribed medication (7 items), storing medication appropriately (3 items), self-regulating medication administration correctly and continuously (11 items), and participating in the medication treatment plan (4 items). Psychometric property testing demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.81, and test-retest reliability was acceptable (r = .62, p < .01). Construct validity was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. In conclusion, the MAS-CAD is a reliable and valid instrument. Nurses can use this scale as a tool for assessing medication adherence for persons with CAD.
Critical aspects of the management of stable coronary artery disease in primary care practice or how to increase the efficacy of evidence-based pharmacological therapy?