Effect of Socio-demographic Factors and Comorbidities on Schizophrenia Patients Adherence to Treatment in a Primary Care Unit

Abstract

Aims: Understanding the characteristics of schizophrenia patients who adhere to treatment, in the primary care setting. Identifying socio-demographic factors and comorbidities is crucial for tailoring personalized interventions, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Place and Duration of Study: Ambulatory Care Medical Unit. It was conducted with Mexican patients attending the Family Medicine Specialityoutpatient consultation at the Family Medicine Clinic “División del Norte”, in Mexico City, from July 1st 2023 to January 31st,2024. Methodology: Data on adherence were collected through a prolective design using the Morisky Scale test and a structured survey on psychological adherence. Data on sociodemographic factors, and comorbidities were collected from the SIMEF system. Results: We included 50 schizophrenia patients. Eighty per cent of patients adhered to pharmacological treatment, and 96% to psychological therapy. Adherent patients were predominantly older males with comorbidities like hyperlipidaemia and diabetes. Non-adherent patients, mostly male and younger, were more likely to suffer from depression and were geographically concentrated in specific neighbourhoods. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve adherence, offering insights to enhance schizophrenia management in primary care settings.