Psychotropic medication adherence among psychiatric patients in Nepal

Introduction: Non-adherence is a common problem that directly affects the outcome. Therefore, to achieve the desired treatment outcomes, it is necessary to consider the factors affecting non-adherence to medication. Furthermore, there seems to be a dearth of information regarding non-adherence to psychotropic drug therapy. Thus, this study was designed to assess non-adherence to psychotropic drug therapy.

Data and Methods: For three months, 384 patients visited the outpatient department (O.P.D.) of the mental hospital in Lagankhel, Nepal. Two sets of questionnaires were used, and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (S.P.S.S) was used for data analysis.

Results: 31.5% of the 384 patients adhered strongly to their drug therapy, and the non-adherence rate was 68.4%. Patients without a family history of mental illness and those with family involvement had higher adherence rates. Low adherence was seen in people who had a low income, a perception of good and bad health, were diagnosed with depression along with another disorder, or had a history of attempted suicide.

Conclusion: Nonadherence to psychotropic medications was found to be widespread. Additionally, it was associated with multiple factors. Therefore, comprehensive strategies should be developed to address the factors associated with non-adherence to psychotropic medication.