Factors predicting medication adherence among family caregivers of people with schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Medication adherence remains a significant challenge among people with schizophrenia, particularly those having comorbidity with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to complex treatment regimens and long-term care demands. Family caregivers play a central role in medication management; however, evidence regarding how caregiver-related factors influence medication adherence is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the factors predicting medication adherence among family caregivers of people with schizophrenia and T2DM.

METHOD: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 530 family caregivers of people with schizophrenia and T2DM receiving outpatient psychiatric services in 7 provinces in Northeastern Thailand. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics, caregiver-related psychosocial factors, and medication adherence. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors predicting medication adherence, with a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

The final model explained 41.0% of the variance in medication adherence. Higher caregiver mental health literacy (MHL) and access to health information via the internet were positively associated with medication adherence, whereas higher family caregiver income and sense of coherence were negatively associated with medication adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Medication adherence among people with schizophrenia and T2DM was associated with family caregiver-related psychosocial and socioeconomic factors. Family caregiver-centered interventions that enhanced MHL, promoted access to reliable health information, and considered family caregivers' socioeconomic contexts may improve medication adherence and long-term treatment outcomes in community mental health settings. Pharmacists are well positioned to conduct MHL screening during medication dispensing and to lead structured caregiver education programs as part of integrated community mental health services.