Abstract
BackgroundMental disorders are destructive and usually require long-term medication, but non-adherence of medication is highly prevalent in patients with mental disorders. Previous studies relating to medication non-adherence were mainly quantitative. Meanwhile, there have been even fewer studies conducted in rural areas in China that focused on patients’ medication non-adherence. This study aims to explore the barriers to medication adherence for rural patients with mental disorders in China from the perspectives of patients, patients’ family members and healthcare providers.MethodsA qualitative study was carried out in the rural areas of four towns within Shandong Province in eastern China. The study adheres to COREQ guidelines. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 patients, 21 family members and 8 primary mental health service providers.ResultsThematic analysis generated five major themes: (1) lack of self-insight, (2) inadequate family support, (3) long treatment duration and side effects of drugs, (4) poor economic conditions, and (5) the perceived stigma of illness.ConclusionThese findings may be useful for policymakers and planners to improve medication adherence and decrease the recurrence rate of mental disorders in China.
Highlights
Mental disorders are destructive and usually require long-term medication, but non-adherence of medication is highly prevalent in patients with mental disorders
This study aims to fill the gap by exploring the barriers of medication adherence for Chinese rural patients with mental disorders using a qualitative method
Key themes Five major themes were generated: (1) Lack of selfinsight; (2) Inadequate family support; (3) Long treatment duration and side effects of drugs; (4) Economic conditions discouraging them from purchasing medicines; (5) The perceived stigma of illness
Summary
Mental disorders are destructive and usually require long-term medication, but non-adherence of medication is highly prevalent in patients with mental disorders. Previous studies relating to medication nonadherence were mainly quantitative. There have been even fewer studies conducted in rural areas in China that focused on patients’ medication non-adherence. This study aims to explore the barriers to medication adherence for rural patients with mental disorders in China from the perspectives of patients, patients’ family members and healthcare providers. Treating persistent mental disorders is usually a longterm process, which is comprised of antipsychotics and psychosocial interventions [7]. Several studies have shown that the relapse rate is significantly lower when patients adhere to their medication regime [8, 9]. Non-adherence is highly prevalent in patients with mental disorders.
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