ATTITUDES, FACTORS, AND STRATEGIES INFLUENCING MEDICATION COMPLIANCE IN SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS
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Keywords
Schizophrenia , Medicine compliance , Patient awareness , Psychosocial factor
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to examine the attitudes, factors, and strategies that influence medication adherence among patients with schizophrenia, with the goal of developing effective interventions to improve compliance.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2022 in the Psychiatry Department of a tertiary care hospital. The sample included 124 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Demographic, psychosocial, and clinical factors were assessed through structured questionnaires and medical records. Medication adherence was defined as taking prescribed medications at least 80% of the time over the previous month.
Results: Of the 124 patients, 61.3% were adherent, while 38.7% were non-adherent to their prescribed treatment. Key factors influencing adherence included positive attitudes toward medication, daily perceived benefits, family support, confidence in relapse prevention, and absence of barriers such as stigma, financial challenges, and substance use. Higher levels of patient insight and positive attitudes toward treatment were strongly associated with adherence.
Conclusion: Positive clinical and psychosocial factors play a crucial role in enhancing medication adherence among individuals with schizophrenia. Effective interventions should focus on improving patient awareness, fostering supportive attitudes, strengthening family involvement, and addressing barriers to treatment access and stigma.
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Dr. J. Shyamprakash.
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, Govt Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem
Dr. S. Shankar
Assistant Professor, Govt. Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem