Impact of Drug Non-adherence on Individuals with Schizophrenia and their Family

Abstract

Introduction: The study regarding poor adherence to medications in schizophrenic patients, a report was done by the World Health organization submitted in 2003 that report shows schizophrenic patients were found to be the most non-adherent 75.7% the difference between the findings may be due to the coverage of sampling. The World Health organization report also shows that based on the MARS (Medication Adherence Rating Scale), out of total respondents, half of them (50.2%) were found non-adherent to their medication. The relative risk of residence on adherence odd ratio equals 0.962 (95% CI; 0.766–0.206) for rural areas and the odds ratio equals 1.058 (95% CI; 0.765–1.463) for urban. Aim: To assess the impact of Drug Adherence of individuals with schizophrenia on psychopathology and their family functioning. Methodology: It was a hospital-based study using a descriptive research design with 60 chronic schizophrenia patients have been selected by the purposive sampling method. The schizophrenia patient and his caregiver have been assessed in the outpatient department at the Department of Psychiatry and Maharashtra Institute of Mental Health Pune. The data has been collected by direct personal interviews of patients and family members that scales used for this study were self-prepared socio-demographic datasheet McMasters Family Functioning Scale, PANSS, and MARS. The procedure was applied to their caregivers giving informed cons were as selected for the study. After data collection statistically analysis using SPSS results have been arranged in tables. Results: Study findings suggested poor drug adherence associated with psychopathology and family functioning of the patients. Conclusion: The present study shows that if the medication adherence is good then the family functioning of the family will be good. If the medication adherence is good, then most of the patients had no impairment in their positive symptoms.  

Keywords:  Medication Adherence, family functioning, Schizophrenia