title: Predictors of adherence to an antidepressant medication regimen among patients diagnosed with depression in Taiwan.
abstract: This study explored the predictors of medication adherence among Taiwanese people with major depression and dysthymic disorder. Previous research indicates that depressed patients vary in compliance with their medication regimen. Poor compliance reduces the therapeutic effect of medication. Self-report questionnaires were used for this cross-sectional study conducted with 181 outpatients diagnosed with major depression or dysthymic disorder. About 50% of depressed patients reported good medication adherence. The predictors of adherence were patient income, treatment efficacy, and understanding the importance of continuing medication. Professionals should use collaborative communication and cultural values clarification with depressed patients and their families to improve the awareness of illness and to increase the likelihood of medication compliance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Institute of Technology, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Mei-Yu
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Yeh
authors.forename: Su-Ching
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Sung
authors.forename: Beatrice Crofts
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Yorker
authors.forename: Chi-Chen
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Ya-Lin
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Kuo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D054521:Cultural Competency; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan