Psychosocial factors in maternal phenylketonuria: women's adherence to medical recommendations.
OBJECTIVE
This study identified factors predicting adherence to medical recommendations in maternal phenylketonuria, which can result in severe fetal damage.


METHODS
Sixty-nine women with phenylketonuria, 68 of their acquaintances, and 69 women with diabetes mellitus were interviewed annually for 5 years. A model in which each stage in the maternal phenylketonuria life cycle represented a treatment-related goal provided a means to assess adherence.


RESULTS
At the stages of prevention of unplanned pregnancy, treatment initiation, and diet continuation throughout pregnancy, attitudes and social support were associated with adherence to medical recommendations. No specific variables were associated with outcome at reproductive decision making, but women with phenylketonuria were more likely to delay making a decision, resulting in unplanned and, hence, untreated or late-treated pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Women with phenylketonuria differed from their acquaintances and diabetic women in many respects, suggesting that special programs are needed. Greater emphasis on reproductive decision making is especially needed. Interventions that focus on improving social support networks and attitudes about treatment may increase adherence to recommendations.
Waisbren
S E
SE
Biochemical Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Hamilton
B D
BD
St James
P J
PJ
Shiloh
S
S
Levy
H L
HL
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017042:Phenylketonuria, Maternal / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires