Psychosocial Determinants of Antidepressant Adherence Among Hungarian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

Depression is a significant public health concern in Hungary, contributing to disability, reduced productivity, and impaired quality of life.

A nationwide online survey (14 May-11 June 2025) was followed by multiple linear regression analyses to explore links between patients' socio-demographic factors and their scores on the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire and Beck Anxiety Inventory. The main focus of the study was on participants' adherence to prescribed antidepressant treatment assessed using the Medication Adherence Report Scale. Adults over 18 taking GP-prescribed antidepressants were included. This was a cross-sectional observational study based on self-reported survey data.

The sample consisted of 213 participants. The participants who smoked were less adherent to their prescribed antidepressant regimen (coef=-1.445; p=0.038). In contrast, individuals reporting satisfaction with their general practitioner exhibited higher adherence levels (coef=1.609; p=0.033). Monthly collection of antidepressant prescriptions was associated with better adherence than less frequent collection intervals-specifically every two months (coef=5.106; p=0.001), every three months (coef=3.900; p=0.016), or less often (coef=3.887; p=0.013). General beliefs about medicine influence antidepressant adherence: perceiving them as harmful (coef=-2.404; p=0.001) or overused (coef=-1.197; p=0.002) reduces adherence, while viewing antidepressants as necessary enhances it (coef=1.531; p=0.001).

Medication adherence is influenced by patients' beliefs, smoking status, anxiety levels, and satisfaction with care. Enhancing treatment continuity requires addressing these areas.