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Abstract

Introduction
Adherence to prescribed medication is crucial to effective treatment in many chronic conditions, and particularly for individuals diagnosed with psychosis. Health Psychology has traditionally provided robust models that have been employed to explore adherence in numerous chronic conditions. However, research using these models to explore adherence to anti-psychotic medication is scarce. This study looked to implement the science and evidence base of Health Psychology while exploring determinants of adherence to anti-psychotic medication.

Method
In this longitudinal questionnaire study, data was collected at two-time points, six months apart. One hundred and ten individuals participated in the baseline stage. Adherence to antipsychotic medication was measured using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale. Social support, illness perceptions, illicit drug use and side effects were assessed using the Duke Functional Social Support Questionnaire, The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, The Drug Abuse Screening Test and The Glasgow Anti-Psychotic Side Effect Scale Questionnaires respectively. Analysis of Variance and Correlation analyses were conducted to explore associations between these factors and adherence, while the potential predictive capacity of these factors was examined through Multiple Regressions.

Results
Social Support, Treatment Control and Personal Control were significantly associated with adherence, while Treatment Control (β=.407 [.405-.095], p=.000) and Social Support (β=.282 [.682-.214], p=.002) were demonstrated to be a significant determinant of adherence to anti-psychotic
medication.

Conclusion
Adherence to anti-psychotic medication presents with a unique set of challenges and is a complex phenomenon influenced by a number of parameters. Levels of social support and treatment control are significant determinants of adherence to anti-psychotic medication. Efforts to enhance social support and personal control can be employed in future interventions designed to increase adherence. Treatment Control is an important factor and the Self Regulation Model has the aptitude to be employed in future research. There is potential for prospective research to apply Health Psychology theories, frameworks and principles to not only scrutinise adherence within mental health settings but also develop behaviour change interventions that target identified risk factors for non-adherence.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences
Departments:	Doctoral Theses School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses

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