[Compliance with health regimens: statistical verification of conceptual structure].

The use and definition of the concept compliance has been variable. The concepts compliance, adherence and co-operation have been used in the English literature. The terminology in the Finnish literature is also variable such concepts as hoitomyöntyvyys, hoitomyötäys, hoitokuuliaisuus and hoitoon sitoutuminen have been used. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the empirical structure of the concept compliance. The baseline was the definition of compliance of young diabetics. According to this definition, compliance is an active, intentional and responsible process by which young diabetics work to maintain their health in collaboration with the health care staff. The data were collected (1994) by a questionnaire from young diabetics aged 13-17 years (N = 403). To test the structure of the concept compliance, LISREL-analysis was used. The results of the study support the baseline definition of compliance.