Figure 4.

Persistence refers to the duration of time during which a medication is taken. Compliance is the proportion of medication taken at a given time according to instructions while persistent. Adherence represents compliance over time and can be estimated within discrete periods using the medication possession ratio. Reproduced with permission from Badamgarav E, Fitzpatrick LA. 2006. A new look at osteoporosis outcomes: the influence of treatment, compliance, persistence, and adherence. Mayo Clin Proc, 81:1009–12. Copyright © 2006 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.