Abstract
Background
Antipsychotic medication is essential in the treatment of schizophrenia; non-adherence is associated with an increased risk of relapse, lower social functioning and rehospitalization. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors affecting adherence with antipsychotic medication in a community based sample of patients with schizophrenia in Hong Kong.
Method
This is a cross-sectional observational survey of community patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia being treated by a Community Psychiatric Nursing Service in Hong Kong. Symptoms, drug attitudes, insight, side effects and socio-demographic characteristics were measured and explored in terms of their relationship with medication adherence.
Results
584 patients participated in the study; 30% of these patients were non-adherent with their antipsychotic medication. Positive treatment attitudes, awareness of the need for treatment, being prescribed clozapine, being on benefits, lower levels of symptoms and fewer side effects were associated with adherence.
Discussion
Clinical efforts to improve adherence should aim to help patients amplify the personal relevance of treatment and modify patients’ attitudes towards medication.
Antipsychotic medication is essential in the treatment of schizophrenia; non-adherence is associated with an increased risk of relapse, lower social functioning and rehospitalization. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors affecting adherence with antipsychotic medication in a community based sample of patients with schizophrenia in Hong Kong.
Method
This is a cross-sectional observational survey of community patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia being treated by a Community Psychiatric Nursing Service in Hong Kong. Symptoms, drug attitudes, insight, side effects and socio-demographic characteristics were measured and explored in terms of their relationship with medication adherence.
Results
584 patients participated in the study; 30% of these patients were non-adherent with their antipsychotic medication. Positive treatment attitudes, awareness of the need for treatment, being prescribed clozapine, being on benefits, lower levels of symptoms and fewer side effects were associated with adherence.
Discussion
Clinical efforts to improve adherence should aim to help patients amplify the personal relevance of treatment and modify patients’ attitudes towards medication.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
| Event | Institute of Mental Health 2011 Conference: From Science to Practice - Striving for Excellence in Mental Health Care - Duration: 1 Jan 2011 → … |
Conference
| Conference | Institute of Mental Health 2011 Conference: From Science to Practice - Striving for Excellence in Mental Health Care |
|---|---|
| Period | 1/01/11 → … |
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