Abstract:
Background; Adherence to antipsychotic medication remains one of the greatest challenges in
treatment of psychiatric disorders and, is a significant barrier to the successful of treatment of
mentally ill. Young adults present the most affected group with psychiatric disorders at
Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and estimates and reasons for non-adherence to
antipsychotic medication among these youngsters may provide an opportunity for improved
patient outcomes if challenges are identified and improved upon.
Method; Descriptive qualitative design was used to obtain information, to the factors
associated with non-adherence to antipsychotic medication among young adults with mental
disorders at MNH. In-depth interview and focused group discussions (FGD) guided by semi
structured questionnaires were conducted in two waves. The main informants were the patient
themselves and their relatives and these were recruited from the psychiatric unit after the
psycho-education sessions, which conducted every morning before the start of clinic. Notes
and record on the patient's responses was made which followed by the content data analysis
after transcription of the text,
Results; This study found that development of side effects, perceived cause of mental disorder,
stigma, lack of social support, poor socio-economic status, and unavailability of medication at
clinics are important factors that contribute to no-adherence. Failure to adhere to antipsychotic
medication is associated with exacerbation of psychotic symptoms, psychotic relapse, and
hospitalization.
Conclusion; This study found that non-adherence behavior continues to be a significant issue
in the management of psychotic disorders especially among young adults. The promotion of
patient's functional coping behavior to medication side effects for patients with insight will be
a key action for improvement. Development of specific nursing care plans to monitor
adherence would be important as well increased training of psychiatric nurses to work in the
primary care health facilities would be a long term solution.
