Perceptions and expectations that promote treatment adherence among patients receiving treatment at psychosocial care centers in Brazil

Abstract

This study analyses perceptions and expectations that promote treatment adherence. A descriptive-interpretive study was conducted as part of a doctoral thesis with 44 patients receiving treatment at four psychosocial care centers in a municipality in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Data was collected using interviews and focus groups. Thematic analysis was performed using the software QDA Miner Lite version 1.4.3 and frames of reference from the field of mental health. The findings show that positive transformations occurred in the patients, fear of being admitted to hospital, provision of various care options within the same service, and maintenance of quality of life gains. The study identified protective factors for effective adherence to treatment.