Journals Proceedings

Abstract

Medication adherence is important to help prevent relapse for patients with schizophrenia who need long term care. Purpose: To determine factors related to medication adherence among patients with schizophrenia in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient department of the West Java Province Mental Hospital in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Individuals were assessed using the Bahasa versions of Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side-Effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS), and Symptom Severity Scale of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder 5th edition (SS-DSM5) instruments. Bivariate analysis was applied to determine the factors related to medication adherence. Result: A total of 88 patients with schizophrenia were enrolled. The prevalence of medication adherence was 64.8%. By using Chi-square test, the results revealed that factors significantly associated with medication adherence were medication side effects (X2 = 8.417, p .01), and severity of symptoms (X2 = 5.771, p .05). Conclusion: The health care providers should provide clear information to patients and caregivers regarding common side effects of antipsychotics. Enhance the ability of caregivers to identify symptoms of schizophrenia in order to improve patients’ health status and reduce relapse.