Utility of Multi-Theory Model (MTM) to Explain the Intention for PAP Adherence in Newly Diagnosed Sleep Apnea Patients.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to assess the utility of a fourth-generation multi-theory model (MTM) in explaining the intention for initiation and sustenance of PAP adherence among newly diagnosed sleep apnea patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

For this cross-sectional study, data were collected at a private sleep center located in the Southeastern United States. A total of 138 newly diagnosed patients with sleep apnea who had been prescribed PAP therapy completed a valid and reliable 41-item MTM instrument. Stepwise multiple regression modeling was conducted to assess MTM based explanatory variables of PAP adherence in this study sample.

RESULTS

MTM constructs namely participatory dialogue ( = 0.17, = 0.014), behavioral confidence ( = 0.48, < 0.001), and changes in the physical environment ( = 0.26, = 0.001) were statistically significant predictors of the intention for initiation of PAP therapy and accounted for 53.5% of the variance. Emotional transformation ( = 0.57, < 0.001), changes in the social environment ( = 0.16, = 0.016), and practice for change ( = 0.16, = 0.047) were statistically significant predictors of the intention for sustenance of PAP therapy and accounted for 60.6% of the variance.

CONCLUSION

The MTM was found to be a promising theoretical model in explaining the intention for initiation and sustenance of PAP therapy.