Medication adherence, treatment satisfaction, and patient-doctor relationship in patients with mood disorders at a Saudi tertiary care hospital: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION

Mood disorders are highly prevalent and associated with substantial impairment. This study examines medication adherence (MA), treatment satisfaction (TS), and patient-doctor relationships (PDRs) among adult patients with mood disorders at a Saudi tertiary hospital.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study's tool employed a questionnaire developed by the researchers, along with the Arabic versions of the Medication Adherence Rating Scale, the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM), and the Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ).

RESULTS

Among the 260 participants, 79.2% demonstrated good MA, 34.23% exhibited low TS, and 62.31% reported good PDRs. Good MA was significantly associated with higher global TSQM scores (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.06; p < 0.001) and better PDR (p = 0.034). Illness duration was a significant factor associated with MA (AOR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.02-0.86; p = 0.034 for 1-5 years compared with < 1 year), TS (AOR = 6.07; 95% CI, 1.80-20.48; p = 0.004 for > 10 years compared with < 1 year), and PDR (p = 0.028). Being supported by family and friends "to some extent" was associated with lower TS (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.30-0.92; p = 0.024) and poorer PDR (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.19-0.70; p = 0.002) compared with those receiving more support. Education level was significantly associated with TS, specifically for participants with a bachelor's degree compared with uneducated participants (AOR = 5.04; 95% CI: 1.73-14.66; p = 0.003). MA was significantly related to age (AOR = 29.83; 95% CI: 1.75-508.3; p = 0.019 for > 65 years old compared with 18-25 years old) and number of regular medications (AOR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.44-0.99; p = 0.044). A significant relationship was also observed between TS and the perception of having a mental illness and needing treatment (p = 0.001). PDR was significantly better among participants did not have to buy their own psychiatric medication compared with those who always purchased them (AOR = 5.04; 95% CI: 1.81-14.06; p = 0.002) and among those with a history of using alternative methods compared with those without (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.21-4.11; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the interconnectedness of MA, TS, and PDR, as well as the influence of several factors. Patient-centered specific strategies are needed to address these factors.