Family interventions in schizophrenia: an analysis of non-adherence.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify baseline factors which may make it possible to predict non-adherence to prescribed treatment.

METHOD

A total of 87 schizophrenic patients in a catchment area of Valencia (Spain) were randomly assigned to two family strategies. The characteristics associated with lack of adherence to the programmes were analysed in both the patients and their families.

RESULTS

Older patients, those with a higher number of previous hospital admissions, those living in small households and those having relatives with little knowledge of schizophrenia at the time of the initial assessment were the main factors associated with a higher risk of dropping out of the interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study offer some guidance on suggesting intervention strategies that might reduce drop-out rates in these types of programmes.