Retrospective Study of Antipsychotic Medication Adherence and Relapse Rates in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia treatment prognosis and relapse risk depend on drug adherence. Refusing treatment programmes increases hospitalisation rates and symptom severity, despite their well-documented advantages. Patients with schizophrenia treated at MGMMC and LSK Hospital will have their medication adherence and relapse rates monitored over a year.

Method: Retrospective study included 100 schizophrenia patients with antipsychotic medications. Prescription and medical data were examined for demographics, drug adherence, and relapse. Medication adherence was measured by the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR); 80% or more was considered satisfactory. Relapses occurred when symptoms required hospitalisation. The link between adherence and relapse rates was examined using logistic regression, chi-square tests, and descriptive statistics.

Results: The study found that 62% of participants took their prescriptions as prescribed. The recurrence rate for adherent patients was 11.3%, compared to 52.6% for non-adherents. Older age and second-generation antipsychotic use improved adherence. Adherence was significantly linked to relapse rates in the chi-square test (χ² = 18.9, p < 0.001), while age and medicine type were associated with adherence in logistic regression.

Conclusion: Medication adherence is crucial to reducing schizophrenia relapses. Patient adherence must be promoted by educating patients, employing injectables with a longer half-life, and improving social support. More research is needed to confirm these findings in larger populations and develop new methodologies.