Prevalence, Barriers, and Interventions Related to Medication Adherence Among Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Scoping Review

J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2021 Jan 1;59(1):39-51. doi: 10.3928/02793695-20201015-05. Epub 2020 Oct 23.

Abstract

The current scoping review aimed to identify the prevalence, contributing factors, methods of measurement, and interventions related to medication adherence among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). A total of 37 articles met inclusion criteria. The prevalence of medication adherence among patients with MDD ranged from 10.6% to 85.4%. Approximately 67% of studies used self-report data collection. Illness-related factors (e.g., onset of illness, duration of illness, symptoms, illness severity), medication-related factors (e.g., adverse reactions, duration of treatment, cost of treatment), and patient-related factors (e.g., beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, self-stigma) were the most reported factors associated with medication adherence. In addition, multi-faceted interventions were recommended over single-element interventions to enhance medication adherence. There is a need to integrate appropriate and effective assessment measures of medication adherence that lead to better health care outcomes, lower risk factors, and improved interventions related to medication adherence. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(1), 39-51.].

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Depressive Disorder, Major* / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder, Major* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Medication Adherence
  • Prevalence
  • Severity of Illness Index