Schizophrenia and medication adherence: Associated factors

Abstract

Background

Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that requiring maintenance treatment with antipsychotic medication. Medication adherence is essential to improve the symptoms of this health problem reduce relapses and readmissions and achieve treatment goals. The rate of challenges associated with medication adherence in schizophrenia is reported to be 26.5–85.1 %.

Purpose

This study was conducted to determine factors associated with medication adherence in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Methods

A descriptive correlational research design was used. The study was completed with a total of 162 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia, between February–June 2021, at a Community Mental Health Center. Regression analysis (Model: enter and stepwise) was used to determine associated factors.

Results

The mean medication adherence score of individual diagnosed with schizophrenia indicated that more than half of the participants (52 %) had poor medication adherence. In individual diagnosed with schizophrenia, medication attitudes, level of internalized stigma, the status of regular attendance to appointments, belief in recovery, and using medicines as prescribed were complicating factors for medication adherence (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Medication adherence in individuals with diagnosed schizophrenia may be multifactorial. Mental health professionals should consider associated factors and implement a personalized treatment plan in this direction for strengthening adherence to medication treatment.