The relationship of medication adherence and social functioning of persons with schizophrenia in the long-term period

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Medication adherence is an essential aspect of the daily lives of persons with schizophrenia, while in-compliance is related to their social functioning performance. AIM: The study aims to analyze the prolonged relationship between medication adherence and the social functioning of persons with chronic schizophrenia. METHODS: A descriptive correlation method was carried out on 60 persons with schizophrenia at Pasung in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia, using questionnaires. RESULTS: The results indicate that 68.3–51.7% of respondents had low adherence to medication and social functioning, respectively. Spearman rank claimed that there is a strong relationship between medication adherence and social functioning among chronic schizophrenia persons. Furthermore, the result reported that medication adherence positively affected social functioning among persons with schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS: Medication adherence is a priority for maintaining the behavior of people living with schizophrenia to help them control their psychotic symptoms. Therefore, it can enhance their social functioning performance and daily living activity. Family participation is needed for continuous medication program and relapse rate prevention.