A pilot study to validate the etiologies and defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis of noncompliance.

A descriptive study was used to examine the defining characteristics of noncompliance as generated by review of the literature and extensive practice. The purpose was to determine (1) the presence of selected etiologies and defining characteristics in individuals; (2) the comprehensiveness of the list for all clinical findings; and (3) nurses' perceptions of the importance of the etiologies and defining characteristics in making the diagnosis of noncompliance.