Xiaoyun Chai1,2,3, Ying Liu4, Zhuxin Mao5, Shunping Li6,7,8. 1. Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Rd 44, Jinan, 250012, China. 2. NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. 3. Center for Health Preference Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. 4. Asset Management and Operation Department, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China. 5. School of Insurance, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, 611130, China. zhuxin.mao@hotmail.com. 6. Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Rd 44, Jinan, 250012, China. lishunping@sdu.edu.cn. 7. NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. lishunping@sdu.edu.cn. 8. Center for Health Preference Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. lishunping@sdu.edu.cn.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mental disorders are destructive and usually require long-term medication, but non-adherence of medication is highly prevalent in patients with mental disorders. Previous studies relating to medication non-adherence were mainly quantitative. Meanwhile, there have been even fewer studies conducted in rural areas in China that focused on patients' medication non-adherence. This study aims to explore the barriers to medication adherence for rural patients with mental disorders in China from the perspectives of patients, patients' family members and healthcare providers. METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out in the rural areas of four towns within Shandong Province in eastern China. The study adheres to COREQ guidelines. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 patients, 21 family members and 8 primary mental health service providers. RESULTS: Thematic analysis generated five major themes: (1) lack of self-insight, (2) inadequate family support, (3) long treatment duration and side effects of drugs, (4) poor economic conditions, and (5) the perceived stigma of illness. CONCLUSION: These findings may be useful for policymakers and planners to improve medication adherence and decrease the recurrence rate of mental disorders in China.
BACKGROUND:Mental disorders are destructive and usually require long-term medication, but non-adherence of medication is highly prevalent in patients with mental disorders. Previous studies relating to medication non-adherence were mainly quantitative. Meanwhile, there have been even fewer studies conducted in rural areas in China that focused on patients' medication non-adherence. This study aims to explore the barriers to medication adherence for rural patients with mental disorders in China from the perspectives of patients, patients' family members and healthcare providers. METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out in the rural areas of four towns within Shandong Province in eastern China. The study adheres to COREQ guidelines. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 patients, 21 family members and 8 primary mental health service providers. RESULTS: Thematic analysis generated five major themes: (1) lack of self-insight, (2) inadequate family support, (3) long treatment duration and side effects of drugs, (4) poor economic conditions, and (5) the perceived stigma of illness. CONCLUSION: These findings may be useful for policymakers and planners to improve medication adherence and decrease the recurrence rate of mental disorders in China.
Entities:
Keywords:
China; Medication adherence; Mental disorders; Qualitative research