Predictors of Medication Adherence in a Sample of Schizophrenic Patients at El Khanka Psychiatric Hospital

Abstract

chizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling mental disease that affects men and women with equal frequency. Approximately 1 % of population develops schizophrenia during their lifetime. Symptoms of schizophrenia are divided into positive and negative symptoms. The severity of the symptoms and long-lasting pattern of schizophrenia often causes a high degree of disability putting schizophrenia on the top ten global list for disorders causing disability. Antipsychotic medications are a highly effective treatment for patients with schizophrenia, when they are used regularly and as prescribed can reduce and control the distressing symptoms of the illness. However, some people are not greatly helped by available treatments or may prematurely discontinue treatment because of unpleasant side effects or for other reasons. Medication Adherence is a behavioral process that is influenced by many factors. Assume that the patient has the knowledge, motivation, skills and resources to follow the health care provider' prescription. While Medication Non-Adherence divided into two types: A) Intentional medication non-adherence “Active process whereby the patient chooses to deviate from the treatment regimen.