The Difference of Medication Adherence in Schizophrenic Patients between Normal Body Mass Index And Overweight

Abstract

Background:  Nonadherence to medication is a recognized problem and may be the most challenging aspect of treatment. The weight gain is an important factor that contributed to discontinuation of treatment

Participants and Methods: A total 88 participants with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia who were admitted to psychiatric hospital. This study used cross sectional design. The assessments included an interview to obtain sociodemographic data, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) were examined, for difference based on the following body mass index (BMI) categories: normal body mass index (BMI 18,50-24,99) and overweight (BMI ≥25).

Results:  88 subjects were divided into two groups, normal BMI group: high adherence (20.5%), medium adherence (63.6%), low adherence (15.9%).   Those overweight group: high adherence (6.8%), medium adherence (18.2%), low adherence (75.0%)

Conclusions: This study found that schizophrenic patients with normal body mass index is more adherence than those overweight.

Keywords: Medication Adherence, Body Mass Index, Overweight, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8)