IngentaConnect Risk profiles for non-adherence to antipsychotic medications

Authors: MCCANN, T. V.; BOARDMAN, G.¹; CLARK, E.²; LU, S.³

Source: Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Volume 15, Number 8, October 2008 , pp. 622-629(8)

Abstract:

Poor adherence to medications is common in individuals with schizophrenia, and can lead to relapse and re-hospitalization. This paper presents the findings of an Australian study of the factors affecting antipsychotic medication taking in individuals with schizophrenia. The Factors Influencing Neuroleptic Medication Taking Scale was used with a non-probability sample of mental health service users. Ethics approval was obtained from a university and a hospital ethics committee. Data were analysed usingspssversion 15. Most participants had insight into their illness and were aware of the stigma of mental illness. Around 70% experienced annoying side effects, while nearly half admitted alcohol consumption. About one-fifth admitted they had missed taking medications during the previous week. Significant others played a variable role in medication taking. Over 80% were satisfied with their relationships with health professionals, but were less satisfied with access to these professionals, especially psychiatrists. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, impact of medication side effects, and access to psychiatrists were independent predictors of medication omission. It is argued that medication taking is a complex issue, which needs to be taken into consideration in health professional training and measures to promote adherence.

Keywords: antipsychotics; medication adherence; risk factors; schizophrenia; survey

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2850.2008.01277.x

Affiliations: 1: Lecturer and 2: Senior Lecturer, Division of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Wodonga, Vic., Australia 3: Research Officer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health and Diversity, Victoria University, Melbourne, and

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