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How often do patients with psychosis fail to adhere to treatment programmes? A systematic review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 September 2003

M. NOSÉ
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
C. BARBUI
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
M. TANSELLA
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

Abstract

Background. Studies that assess the rates of psychotic patients who fail to adhere to treatment programmes have generated heterogeneous results, with estimates ranging from 24 to 90%. This paper presents findings from a systematic review on adherence to treatment by patients with psychosis. Its purpose is to provide an overall estimate of treatment non-adherence in community psychiatric services, and to analyse and study patient characteristics explaining the between-study heterogeneity in rates of non-adherence.

Method. A systematic review of published studies that report rates of non-adherence with medication and scheduled appointments by psychotic patients in community settings has been undertaken.

Results. A total of 103 studies were included in this systematic review. Eighty-six of these studies were suitable for data re-analysis. The overall weighted mean rate of non-adherence, calculated in a sample of 23796 patients, was 25·78%. A linear regression analysis of non-adherence rates on background characteristics showed that sample size was negatively associated with non-adherence rates, while first-contact cases and low-adherence cases, in comparison with ongoing cases, were associated with higher non-adherence rates. Factors associated with poor compliance included: lack of insight; positive symptoms; younger age; male gender; history of substance abuse; unemployment; and low social functioning.

Conclusions. Approximately one in four patients with psychosis fails to adhere with treatment programmes. Preventive evidence-based clinical interventions should be routinely implemented in community settings to reduce patient non-adherence.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
© 2003 Cambridge University Press

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