title: Schizophrenia medication adherence in a resource-poor setting: randomised controlled trial of supervised treatment in out-patients for schizophrenia (STOPS).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Most people with schizophrenia in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries receive minimal formal care, and there are high rates of non-adherence to medication.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention that involves a family member in supervising medication administration - supervised treatment in out-patients for schizophrenia (STOPS) - in improving treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Individuals (n = 110) with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders were allocated to STOPS or to treatment as usual (TAU) and followed up for 1 year. The primary outcome was adherence to the treatment regimen. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia and Global Assessment of Functioning scores were also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants in the STOPS group had better adherence (complete adherence: 37 (67.3%) in STOPS v. 25 (45.5%) in TAU; P<0.02) and significant improvement in symptoms and functioning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  STOPS may be useful in enhancing adherence to treatment for schizophrenia in LAMI countries.
authors: Centre for Ageing and Mental Health, Staffordshire University and Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. sfarooqlrh@yahoo.com
authors: Saeed
authors: S
authors: Farooq
authors: Zahid
authors: Z
authors: Nazar
authors: Muhammad
authors: M
authors: Irfan
authors: Javed
authors: J
authors: Akhter
authors: Ejaz
authors: E
authors: Gul
authors: Uma
authors: U
authors: Irfan
authors: Farooq
authors: F
authors: Naeem
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017028:Caregivers; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057194:Intention to Treat Analysis; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult; D016903:Drug Monitoring
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents