01588nas a2200157   4500000000100000008004100001653003900042653001500081653001400096100001300110700001100123700001400134245003500148300001200183520123500195       2018                            d10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aLymphedema10aAdherence1 aRidner S1 aDeng J1 aRhoten BA00aAdherence and quality of life.  a493-5013 a<p>Individuals with lymphedema navigate a particularly complex treatment and self-management regimen, making adherence difficult. It is essential that these individuals conduct lifelong self-care activities to control the progression of swelling, manage lymphedema-associated symptom burden, and minimize long-term negative outcomes (e.g., elephantiasis). Situational, physiological, and psychological factors have the potential to impact adherence to lymphedema management behaviors. It is important for healthcare providers to understand the factors that might influence adherence, as many studies of chronic conditions have shown that adherence improves health-related quality of life. Empirical evidence, however, is lacking for specific behaviors that improve the health-related quality of life of individuals with lymphedema. We postulate that adherence to lymphedema management behaviors decreases symptom burden (i.e., progressive increases in swelling, infection, etc.) and thus facilitates an increase in health-related quality of life. Given the importance of lymphedema self-care, healthcare professionals need to assess and address situational, physiological, and psychological factors that influence adherence.</p>