Table 1 Behavior change techniques (BCTs) used in interventions to improve medication adherence [14, 15]

Knowledge (K)

General information about behavior-related health consequences, use of individualized information, increase in understanding/memory enhancement

Awareness (R)

Risk communication, self-monitoring, reflective listening, behavioral feedback

Attitudes (T)

Targets attitudes toward behavior

Self-efficacy (S)

Modeling, practice/skills training, verbal persuasion, coping response, graded tasks, reattribution of success/failure

Intention formation (I)

General intention, medication schedule, goals, behavioral contract

Action control (C)

Cues/reminders, self-persuasion, social support

Maintenance (M)

Maintenance goals, relapse prevention

Facilitation (F)

Ongoing professional support, dealing with adverse effects, individualizing/simplifying regimen (fewer pills, fewer medications, less frequent dosing, timing of dosing to fit individual schedule), reducing environmental barriers

Motivational interviewing (G)

Client-centered yet directive counseling style that facilitates behavior change through helping clients resolve ambivalence.