MEDICATION NON-ADHERENCE AMONG ADULT PSYCHIATRIC OUT PATIENTS IN JIMMA UNIVERSITY SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL, SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Information on adherence of adult psychiatric patients to biological modes oftreatment is scarce in Ethiopia. Knowledge on adherence is essential in terms of future prognosis, qualityof life and functionality of such patients. This study was conducted to assess the magnitude andassociated factors of non-adherence to medication.METHODS: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2011 at the psychiatryfacility of Jimma University Specialized Hospital, which provides service to more than 10 mill people. Asample of 422 adults with psychiatric illness in the follow-up outpatients was selected consecutively. Datawas collected using a pre-tested questionnaire by face-to-face interview and from patient medical records.The four-item Morisky scale was used to assess degree of medication adherence. Data was analyzedusing SPSS version 16 and descriptive, chi-square test and logistic regression statistical methods wereused. P-Value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant in the final model.RESULTS: Out of the 422 patients, 40.3% were females and 59.7% males. The prevalence rate for non-adherence was 41.2%, non-affective psychoses diagnosis contributing the highest rate (44.5%). From thetotal non-adherent respondents, 78.2% attributed their non-adherence to forgetting. Irregular follow-up,poor social support and complex drug regimen were independently associated variables with non-adherence.CONCLUSIONS: The result of the study showed that non-adherence among psychiatric patients inSouthwest Ethiopia is high and revealed possible associated factors. Adherence needs integrated effortsin creating a mechanism in enhancing regular follow-up, informal social support system and ongoingawareness creation among professionals.