title: Prevalence and predictors of poor medication adherence among out-patients at a psychiatric hospital in Benin City, Nigeria.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence and predictors of poor or non-compliance with medications among respondents attending an adult psychiatry out-patient clinic in Benin City, Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Respondents (n = 137) were randomly selected over a 3-month period using a cross-sectional study design. They were administered a questionnaire adapting the Factors Influencing Neuroleptic Medication Taking Scale as well as the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) to ascertain medication, illness-related and psychosocial variables. Medication adherence was determined by self report and for the purpose of the study confined to the week prior to interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Almost half (42.3%) were poorly adherent to medications. Most admitted to good psychosocial support, but believed that their illness had a spiritual aetiology. Stigma, higher frequency of medication dosing as well as illness severity as measured by their BPRS scores were significant predictors of poor medication adherence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of poor medication adherence in this environment is higher than in studies from Western cultures, and replicates rates from previously published reports in this environment. Factors responsible for poor adherence can form the template for intervention studies and programs to improve compliance.
authors: Department of Clinical Services, Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Benin-City, Nigeria. bawojames@yahoo.com
authors: Bawo Onesirosan
authors: BO
authors: James
authors: Joyce Ohiole
authors: JO
authors: Omoaregba
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D057545:Social Stigma; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult; D016903:Drug Monitoring