Testing the Utility of a Bio-Neuropsychosocial Model for Predicting Medical Adherence and Responsibility during Early Adolescence in Youth with Spina Bifida

Abstract

Objectives The present longitudinal, multi-method, and multi-informant study examined biological, neuropsychological, and social predictors of medical adherence and responsibility among early adolescents with spina bifida (SB). Methods Youth with SB (M age = 11.40 at Time 1) and their parents and teachers completed surveys, and families and peers completed observational assessments, at two biennial data collection time points (n = 112 for both time points). Multinomial logistic regressions tested predictors of group membership (adherent vs. nonadherent and child responsible vs. not responsible with SB medical tasks). Results Consistent with the bio-neuropsychosocial model, several risk factors emerged for SB management. Impaired gross motor classification and low IQ were barriers to obtaining medical responsibility, and high family stress and executive dysfunction were barriers to adherence and responsibility. Conclusions This study offered intervention targets to promote self-management and adherence for youth with SB and their families, including parent stress-management and family problem-solving.