Knowledge and drug attitude towards neuroleptics among out-patients with schizophrenia

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and drug attitude towards neuroleptics among out-patients with schizophrenia. The sample included 50 schizophrenic patients attending the out-patient clinics in the Institute of Psychiatry. Ain Shams University. Three instruments were used for data collection. A structured face to face questionnaire, medication questionnaire and Drug Attitude Inventory [DAI]. Results of the study revealed that almost all the studied schizophrenic patients knew the color and routes of drugs, while almost half of them knew their name and therapeutic effects. Otherwise three fourths of the studied patients didn't know the reasons for taking these drugs. The majority of studied patients agreed with the positive attitudes concerned with feeling normal on medication and that by staying on medication they can prevent getting sick. However, the percentages of patients' agreement and disagreement regarding to taking medication on own free choice and taking medication only when being sick as negative attitudes are equal. Meanwhile, almost three fourths of the studied patients disagreed with medication makes them more tired and sluggish. Results showed also that there were highly statistically significant relations between the studied patients' knowledge related to name, dose, frequency, therapeutic effects of the drugs and their educational level. As well, there were statistically significant relations between patients' educational level and most of their positive and negative drug attitudes. In addition to there were statistically significant relations between some of the patients' knowledge and most of their positive and negative drug attitudes toward neuroleptic medications. In the light of the study results it is recommended that a special attention should be paid to schizophrenic patients while designing and implementing psycho-educational programmes to improve their overall knowledge and medical attitudes toward their medications