DiscussionWith the increased prevalence of chronicdisease requiring long-term adherence totreatment, a feasible, reliable, and validmeasure of patient adherence, usable in theusual medical practice circumstance, is needed. This article presents analyses of suchan adherence scale. The properties of thescale are designed to facilitate the identification and addressing of problems and barriers to adequate compliance. The scale canbe utilized initially as a diagnostic tool inwhich patient levels of understanding as wellas adherence behaviors are assessed. Whenspecific problems are identified, appropriateeducation of the patient can then be implemented. Such approaches may include correcting misbeliefs (e.g, should one discontinue treatment if feeling better); adaptingthe regimen to the patient's daily scheduleto address forgetting (e.gu. linking medicationtaking to brushing teeth or eating meals); orfor long- involving other family membersterm support and reinforcement.