Pharmacophore an International Research Journal
Background and Objective: Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder with the severest and the most destructive effects on the quality of life of involved patients. Undoubtedly, the use of anti-psychotic medicines is a core and basis treatment for such patients. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of adherence to treatment intervention on the quality of life of schizophrenia patients.
Materials and Methods: This is a clinical trial where 70 schizophrenia patients were randomly divided into two intervention and control groups in Razi Medical-Educational Center, Urmia. Data was collected using schizophrenic quality of life scale questionnaire (SQLS). The intervention group underwent educational intervention in the form of six lecture and discussion sessions conducted twice a week, each lasting for 60-90 minutes. The collected data of pre and post intervention was analyzed using SPSS16 as well as descriptive statistics, chi-square test, non-parametric test, Mann-Whitney test, Wilcoxon test, Fisher test and dependent-t test.
Findings: According to analyses, there was no significant difference in the mean score of quality of life between the two groups (P =0/280). However, after the intervention, the quality of life in the intervention group improved significantly (P< 0/001). In the beginning of the study, the overall mean score of quality of life in the intervention group was (68/88±24/13). However, at the end of the study it was (42/08±20/25) while the overall mean score in the control group in the beginning and at the end of the study was (66/20±18/74) and (61/20±18/48), respectively (P <0/001).
Conclusion: The implementation of adherence to treatment intervention improved the quality of life in schizophrenia patients. Therefore, paying more attention to this method of treatment seems necessary.
