Stages of change and patient activation measure scores in the context of incentive-based health interventions.

PURPOSE

To determine if two widely used behavioral change measures-Stages of Change (SoC) and Patient Activation Measure (PAM)-correlate with each other, are affected by financial incentives, or predict positive outcomes in the context of incentive-based health interventions.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of two randomized controlled trials of incentives for weight loss and for improved diabetes self-monitoring.

SETTING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Newark, New Jersey.

SUBJECTS

A total of 132 obese and 75 diabetic adults enrolled in one of two trials. MEASURES . SoC and PAM scores; weight loss and usage rate of diabetes self-monitoring equipment.

ANALYSIS

Multiple regression; Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

We found no association between baseline SoC and PAM scores in either study (p = .30 and p = .89). Regression models showed no association between baseline PAM score and SoC and subsequent outcomes for either study (weight loss study: PAM: p = .14, SoC: p = .1; diabetes study: PAM: p = .45, SoC: p = .61). Change in PAM score and SoC among participants in the intervention groups did not differ by study arm or among participants with better outcomes. CONCLUSION . PAM score and SoC may not effectively predict success or monitor progress among individuals enrolled in incentive-based interventions.