title: Predictors of poor adherence to medication among patients with first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study sought to identify predictors for poor adherence to medication among patients with first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medication adherence was measured 1 and 2 years after initiation of antipsychotic medication in a follow-up study of 547 patients. Relevant variables were systematically assessed at baseline, 1- and 2-year follow up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most patients have difficulties with medication adherence over time. Negative attitudes towards medication and lack of consistent family support are the strongest predictors for poor adherence to medication for first-episode psychotic patients in the first 2 years. After 1 year of treatment, unawareness of the effect of medication, lack of positive attitudes towards medication, substance abuse, young age and high global functioning also predict poor adherence to medication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A number of variables were independently associated with poor adherence. Rating of insight and attitudes towards medication makes it possible to predict poor adherence in incident cases with schizophrenia.
authors.affiliation: Aarhus University Hospital Risskov, Skovagervej 2, Risskov, Denmark. reisinia@dadlnet.dk
authors.forename: Phuong Le
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Quach
authors.forename: Ole
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Mors
authors.forename: Torben Østergaard
authors.initials: TØ
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: Gertrud
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Krarup
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jørgensen
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bertelsen
authors.forename: Pia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jeppesen
authors.forename: Lone
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thorup
authors.forename: Merete
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nordentoft
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016903:Drug Monitoring