Medication adherence among psychiatry out patients in Jos University Teaching hospital

Abstract

Background:  Nonadherence with medications is a complex but significant problem that directly and indirectly affect psychiatric patients as well as the overall health care system. It is associated with increased symptoms, deterioration of functioning, suicide, violence and rehospitalisation.
Methods: Patients attending psychiatric clinic at Jos University Teaching Hospital were consecutively recruited and interviewed using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) and a patient questionnaire to obtain data on patient's adherence and attitude towards their medications. The study sampled 195 clients aged 18 years and above.
Results: The study found a subjective adherence level of (32.8%) and objective adherence level of (49.7%) among psychiatric outpatients revealing a high rate of non-adherence. Factors relating to non-adherence included lack of finance, side effects and denial of the illness. Level of non-adherence for various diagnosis were;
schizophrenia(65.5%), drug related cases(50.0%), Bipolar affective  disorder(36.5%), Major depressive disorder(38.1%) and anxiety disorders(33.3%). Seizure disorder(28.6%) and dementia(28.6%).
Conclusion: High rate of non-adherence exists among patients with mental illness and is similar to other chronic illnesses. It is highly recommended that clinicians must take time to discuss the possible side effects of medications with their patients as this could reduce the rate of non-adherence.

Key Words; Jos, Medication, Adherence, Psychiatry, Patients