The Determination of Treatment Adherence and Affecting Factors Among a Group of Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine treatment adherence and related factors in patient with schizophrenia. Methods: The sample of the study was composed of 35 patients with schizophrenia, between the ages of 18-65 that were outpatient and accepted to take part in the study from March-April 2013 in 4 Schizophrenia Association in Istanbul. Study data was obtained with the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS), Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: The mean age of the sample was 40.83 +/- 7.25. 85.7% were male and 40% were high school graduates. The mean score of MARS was found to be 6.8 +/- 1.20. There were no significant differences between genders or education; however there was a significant difference between economical status and MARS. There is no correlation between age, duration of disorder, the total number of hospitalizations and MARS, and also there is no correlation between MARS and ISMI, BCIS, MSPSS. There was a significant correlation between ISMI and BCIS. Conclusion: Treatment adherence was found to be poor in patients with schizophrenia who participated in this study. Therefore it is important that determination of the affecting factors of treatment adherence by mental health and psychiatric nurses and working with non-governmental organizations to improve treatment adherence.