How coping strategy bridges the gap: Self-efficacy as a key to treatment adherence

Abstract

Chronic illness management often requires long-term adherence to treatment regimens, yet many patients struggle to maintain consistent adherence. While there is substantial evidence on the role of self-efficacy in promoting adherence, less is known about how coping strategies influence this relationship. This study investigated the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between self-efficacy and treatment adherence among chronic patients in Nigeria. Participants were 398 chronic patients (62% female), aged 21-65 years (M = 54.71; SD = 9.45), with conditions including hypertension (37%), dyslipidemia (31%), diabetes (20%), and COPD (12%). They responded to the Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale, the Brief-COPE Inventory, and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Following the mediation framework proposed by Baron and Kenny (1986), a series of regression analyses were conducted. Results of data analysis showed that self-efficacy was significantly associated with treatment adherence ((B = 0.58, β = .42, p < .001). Coping strategies were significantly associated with treatment adherence (B = 0.47, β = .38, p < .001). Findings also indicated that coping strategies served as a pathway through which self-efficacy was linked to adherence (B = 0.28, β = .18, p < .001). These findings suggest that adaptive coping strategies not only directly improve adherence but also enhance self-efficacy, which further promotes adherence. The study highlights the importance of addressing both coping strategies and self-efficacy in interventions aimed at improving treatment adherence among chronic patients.