Assessment of Medication Adherence, Social Support and Severity of the Symptoms among Depressed Patients at Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Depression is recognized as one of the common disorders worldwide, and its large economic burden is derived from its high prevalence and substantial functional disabilities entailed in the illness. It has been linked to low medication adherence. A significant factor contributing to failures in managing major depressive disorders is that patients do not optimally follow their prescribed medication regimens. Social support plays a critical role for patients with symptoms of depression. Low social support was reported to be associated with the onset and relapse of depression Aim: the aim of this study was to assess medication adherence, social support and severity of the symptoms among depressed patients in Madinah at Saudi Arabia. Method: A sample of 105 patients with depression was studied using a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data was gathered using five instruments: a socio-demographic characteristics and a clinical data sheet, Drug Attitude Inventory-10 Scale (DAI-10) (Shortened version), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Beck Depression Inventory scale (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory scale (BAI). Results: Results in this study revealed that more than one third (46.7%) was less than 35 years. More than one third of the subjects studied (35.2 %) were single. Based on the educational attainment, more than half (56.2%) were illiterate or could read and write. Regarding occupation, more than half of the subjects studied (50.5%) were not working. Over a third of the subjects studied (39%) had duration of illness from 4 to less than 15 years. Concerning medication adherence, three quarters of the patients (75.2%) were totally non adherent to medication, (46.7%) were receiving low social support and more than half of the patients in the study (60%) had severe level of depression. Conclusion: Current study reported that medication adherence and social support have an effect on treatment outcomes and recovery, it is advisable to promote them when caring for people with depression. It is necessary to conduct further studies on the intervention aimed at improving adherence, social support among patients with depression.