Promoting adherence to psychopharmacological treatment among prisoners with mental health problems: Follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.

This study presents follow-up results regarding a treatment adherence programme (TAP) for prisoners, the initial effectiveness of which we previously evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. Here we used an experimental design with two randomized groups and assessment at four time points: baseline (pre-intervention), at 3 months (post-intervention), and at 6 and 9 months after baseline. Participants were 151 prisoners with mental health problems (Mage = 41.85, SD = 10.31) who were randomly assigned to either the TAP or treatment as usual (TAU). Prisoners who completed the TAP showed a greater improvement in treatment adherence at 3 and 9 months, compared with those who received TAU. There were no significant differences between the groups in subjective well-being under medication. The availability of an easy-to-apply, universal programme that is able to promote treatment adherence in the prison context could make a positive contribution to the general health of inmates.

Randomised controlled trial of a treatment adherence programme for prisoners with mental health problems in Spain.

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders is high among prisoners, who often need psychotropic medication, but compliance with treatment is often poor. This combination leads to poorer prisoner-patient health and increased health costs.The aim of this study was to test the impact of a treatment adherence programme (TAP) on medication adherence and subjective well-being among prisoners with mental health problems. We conducted a randomised controlled trial of a treatment adherence programme compared with treatment as usual (TAU) among 183 prisoners with mental health problems. Those in the TAP group showed greater treatment adherence and reported better subjective well-being with medication than those in the TAU group. We conclude that the treatment adherence of prisoners who require medication for mental health problems may be improved through specific intervention programmes. This could make a positive contribution to individual health and well-being.