Applying the Health Belief Model to Identify Factors Associated With Owner Persistence to Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy.

HBM-informed education emphasizing disease severity and treatment confidence improves ASIT persistence.

This study applied the Health Belief Model to identify psychological and logistical factors influencing owner persistence with allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) in canine atopic dermatitis and feline atopic skin syndrome. Owners of pets prescribed ASIT between January 2020 and May 2024 across four dermatology practices completed surveys assessing HBM constructs including perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and social support. Owner-reported refill behavior served as a proxy for treatment persistence. Results demonstrated that higher perceived disease severity, greater perceived treatment benefits, and increased self-efficacy were positively associated with ASIT persistence. Conversely, cost concerns and administration challenges emerged as significant barriers. The findings suggest that educational interventions emphasizing disease impact, treatment effectiveness, and owner confidence in administration may enhance persistence with ASIT and improve long-term disease outcomes in atopic dermatitis management.

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