PURPOSE: Poor adherence to medication treatment for asthma and allergic rhinitis could challenge a positive health outcome. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is an important measure of health outcome. Both personality and gender could influence adherence and perceptions of HRQL. The purpose was to clarify the role of personality and gender in relation to adherence and HRQL in people with asthma and/or rhinitis.

DATA SOURCES: Participants (n = 180) with asthma and allergic rhinitis, selected from a population-based study, filled out questionnaires on the five-factor model personality traits-neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness-HRQL, and adherence to medication treatment. Data were statistically analyzed using t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, bivariate correlations, and multiple regressions.

CONCLUSIONS: Personality traits were associated with adherence to medication treatment in men. The influence of personality traits on HRQL also differed between men and women. These differences suggest that both a personality and gender perspective should be considered when planning care support aimed at improving adherence and HRQL in people living with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It is suggested that both a personality and gender perspective be taken into account in care support aimed at improving adherence and HRQL in people with asthma and allergic rhinitis.