The current study was designed to test the utility of a multivariate model to predict
adherence to the prescribed medical regimen, absenteeism, and participation in organized
activities for children with asthma. The model included health status factors as well as
psychosocial predictors (mother and child psychological and cognitive characteristics) and
family functioning. Three dependent variables were used including physician estimates of
adherence, absenteeism (partial and whole days for the current year), and participation in
physical and social activities. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine
whether health status, child and mother psychosocial factors, and family factors would
account for significant proportions of the variance in adherence, school absence, and
participation in physical nnc! social activities. Results indicated that family factors
contributed significantly to the prediction of adherence to the medical regimen. Predictors
of absenteeism included the child's perceived self-efficacy and adherence. and significant
predictors of participation in physical and social activities included health status and
maternal external locus of control. Suggestions for revising the model and
recommendations for future research utilizing the model are included.
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