Evaluating the Medication Adherence from the Viewpoints of Patients with Mental Disorders and their Families

Background: Medication non-adherence is common among patients with mental disorders. It can lead to worsening symptoms, recurrence, re-hospitalization, decreased performance, and increased risk of death. This study aimed to evaluate the medication adherence from the viewpoints of family and patients with mental disorders. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 102 patients with mental disorders admitted to psychiatric wards of 22 Bahman Hospital in Qazvin province and 102 of their family members were selected using by a convenience sampling method in 2017. In order to collect data, a demographic form and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) were completed by the patients and one of their family members. Data were analyzed in SPSS v.24 software. Results: The mean MMAS score of patients was 5.8±1.52 and for their families, it was 5.9±1.46 (in a range of 2-8). Using the Spearman correlation coefficient, results showed a significant and positive correlation between the MMAS score of patients and their families. Conclusions: Demographic characteristics of patients affect their medication adherence regardless of the type and severity of their disease. Therefore, the role of the patient as an active decision-maker in treatment should be considered. Training and useful advices from medical staff are essential to raise the awareness of the patients and their families about medications and their effectiveness as well as the condition caused by the disease.