Factors affecting medication adherence among adults with schizophrenia: A literature review

This review aimed to summarize empirical evidence concerning factors relating to medication adherence among patients with schizophrenia. A comprehensive search was implemented to recruit articles which met the present eligibility criteria. Twenty-five articles were included whereby only one was a qualitative study. Greater awareness of illness (insight), previous history of medication adherence, positive attitude toward medication, types of atypical antipsychotics, less severe psychotic symptoms, and social support were identified as factors of medication adherence. Knowledge gaps and methodological limitations were also identified. Implications to clinical practice include providing psychoeducation to patients by increasing their knowledge about illness and medication.