Adherence to medications in a group of Bahraini and Egyptian patients with bipolar mood disorder

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of non-adherence to medications in a group of bipolar mood disorder patients as well as the trans-cultural differences in non-adherence among them. Participants were 51 Bahraini and 53 Egyptians patients with bipolar mood disorder who had been prescribed medications within the past 12 months. Treatment adherence was evaluated by self-report of these patients. There was a distinction between intentional non-adherence [e.g., alteration of medication regimen to fit one's needs] and unintentional non-adherence than developing manic episodes for getfuiness]. No cultural group differences in intentional non-adherence were suggested. Egyptian patients reported significantly more unintentional non-adherence than Bahraini patients. however, once other predictors were entered into the model, cultural difference did not remain a significant predictor. After controlling for cultural factor and medication type, intentional non-adherence was associated with perceiving medication as less important, concerns about the side effects of medications and the stigma associated with medications. Unintentional non-adherence was associated with co-morbidity of drug abuse and development of manic episodes. results suggest no cultural difference in terms of barriers to adherence to medications. Interventions to increase adherence the bipolar patients. Drug education and information about the illness and its co-morbidity with drug abuse might help the patients and families