Noncompliance with medication regimens in severely and persistently mentally ill schizophrenic patients

Medication noncompliance contributes significantly to recurrence of symptoms and readmission to the hospital of schizophrenic patients. The purpose of this study was to determine factors identified by patients, family members, and nurses for patients' noncompliance. The Health Belief Model provided a theoretical framework. The sample consisted of 11 triads with a noncompliant schizophrenic patient, a family member, and a primary nurse in each triad. A structured interview was developed to assess stated reasons for noncompliance and factors relating to the patient's illness, medication practices, stressors, life-style, and support systems. Results showed that many patients stated they did not need medication or needed less than the amount prescribed. Family members and nurses agreed that the majority of patients did not believe that they needed medication. When asked if they thought they had a mental illness, most patients denied that they were ill. Other stated reasons for noncompliance were drug/alcohol use, and, for one patient, medication side effects. Additional findings were patients' low self-esteem; lack of knowledge about medications; inability to identify stressors in patients' lives; inability to identify early symptoms of relapse; patients' need for support from families; and families' stress from patients' abusive, unpredictable behavior. Use of the Health Belief Model is appropriate to study noncompliance in mentally ill patients if perception of illness threat is assessed. Conclusions were that patients and families could benefit from more knowledge of schizophrenia and its treatment, more awareness of stressors and signs of relapse, and improved mutual problem solving. Studies are needed to assess the effects of patients' denial of illness, denial of need for medication, and self-image/self-esteem on medication noncompliance.