Connection between self-stigma, adherence to treatment, and discontinuation of medication
Dana Kamaradova, Klara Latalova, Jan Prasko, Radim Kubinek, Kristyna Vrbova, Barbora Krnacova, Andrea Cinculova, Marie Ociskova, Michaela Holubova, Jarmila Smoldasova, Anezka Tichackova
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S99136
Anotace:
Introduction: Self-stigma plays a role in many areas of the patient’s life. Furthermore, it also discourages therapy. The aim of our study was to examine associations between self-stigma and adherence to treatment and discontinuation of medication in patients from various diagnostic groups.Zobrazit více »
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved outpatients attending the Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic. The level of self-stigma was measured with the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness and adherence with the Drug Attitude Inventory. The patients also anonymously filled out a demographic questionnaire which included a question asking whether they had discontinued their medication in the past.
Results: We examined data from 332 patients from six basic diagnostic categories (substance abuse disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders). The study showed a statistically significant negative correlation between self-stigma and adherence to treatment in all diagnostic groups. Self-stigma correlated positively and adherence negatively with the severity of disorders. Another important factor affecting both variables was partnership. Self-stigma positively correlated with doses of antidepressants and adherence with doses of anxiolytics. Self-stigma also negatively correlated with education, and positively with a number of hospitalizations and number of psychiatrists visited. Adherence was further positively correlated with age and age of onset of disorders. Regression analysis showed that self-stigma was an important factor negatively influencing adherence to treatment and significantly contributing to voluntary discontinuation of drugs. The level of self-stigma did not differ between diagnostic categories. Patients suffering from schizophrenia had the lowest adherence to treatment.
Conclusion: The study showed a significant correlation between self-stigma and adherence to treatment. High levels of self-stigma are associated with discontinuation of medications without a psychiatrist’s recommendation. This connection was present in all diagnostic groups.
Citace: KAMARADOVA, Dana, Klara LATALOVA, Jan PRASKO, et al. Connection between self-stigma, adherence to treatment, and discontinuation of medication. Patient Preference and Adherence [online]. 2016, 10, 1289-1298 [cit. 2017-05-18]. ISSN 1177889x. Dostupné z: doi:10.2147/PPA.S99136