Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder requiring long-term medication adherence to prevent relapse and improve quality of life. Poor adherence remains a significant challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, such as Vietnam. This study aimed to assess medication adherence rates and associated factors among outpatient schizophrenia patients in Binh Dinh Province.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 schizophrenia patients undergoing outpatient treatment at Binh Dinh Provincial Psychiatric Hospital in 2024. Adherence was measured using the medication adherence rating scale (MARS-5). Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and social support were collected via structured interviews and medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with adherence.
The adherence rate was 59.3%, with a mean MARS-5 score of 23.2 ± 2.7. Key factors associated with higher adherence in multivariate analysis included male gender (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6, p = 0.028), current employment (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7–4.7, p < 0.001), regular physical activity (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.5, p = 0.023), family support in medication management (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.5–5.3, p = 0.003), and absence of perceived stigma (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3–3.6, p = 0.002).
Adherence remains suboptimal, influenced by sociodemographic and support-related factors. Interventions should focus on enhancing family involvement, promoting physical activity, and reducing stigma to improve outcomes.
Citation: Thi Anh Thu Dang, Ly Nam Ngo, Phuc Thanh Nhan Nguyen, Van-Tuy Nguyen. Medication adherence in schizophrenia patients undergoing outpatient treatment at a provincial psychiatric hospital in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study[J]. AIMS Medical Science, 2026, 13(3): 214-224. doi: 10.3934/medsci.2026015
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder requiring long-term medication adherence to prevent relapse and improve quality of life. Poor adherence remains a significant challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, such as Vietnam. This study aimed to assess medication adherence rates and associated factors among outpatient schizophrenia patients in Binh Dinh Province.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 schizophrenia patients undergoing outpatient treatment at Binh Dinh Provincial Psychiatric Hospital in 2024. Adherence was measured using the medication adherence rating scale (MARS-5). Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and social support were collected via structured interviews and medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with adherence.
The adherence rate was 59.3%, with a mean MARS-5 score of 23.2 ± 2.7. Key factors associated with higher adherence in multivariate analysis included male gender (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6, p = 0.028), current employment (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7–4.7, p < 0.001), regular physical activity (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.5, p = 0.023), family support in medication management (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.5–5.3, p = 0.003), and absence of perceived stigma (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3–3.6, p = 0.002).
Adherence remains suboptimal, influenced by sociodemographic and support-related factors. Interventions should focus on enhancing family involvement, promoting physical activity, and reducing stigma to improve outcomes.
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Thi Anh Thu Dang, Ly Nam Ngo, Phuc Thanh Nhan Nguyen, Van-Tuy Nguyen. Medication adherence in schizophrenia patients undergoing outpatient treatment at a provincial psychiatric hospital in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study[J]. AIMS Medical Science, 2026, 13(3): 214-224. doi: 10.3934/medsci.2026015
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