Quality of Life and Medication Therapy Adherence in Primary Healthcare: focus on common mental disorders

Abstract

Introduction. Medication therapy adherence is a challenge in the clinical practice of health providers. Objective. To identify predictors of nonadherence to medication therapy and quality of life (QoL) in medication users. Method. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at five primary health care (PHC) units in Brazil. Standardized tools included the Self-Reporting Questionnaire, Measurement of Treatment Adherence, and World Health Organization Quality-of-Life-Bref, in addition to a sociodemographic and treatment-related questionnaire. Results. Participants with common mental disorders (CMDs) who used psychotropic medication were more likely to be nonadherent to medication treatment. Sociodemographic variables, presence of a CMD, and psychotropic medication use were key predictors of lower QoL in patients treated at PHC. Discussion and conclusion. The findings of this study could inform interventions designed to improve medication therapy adherence and train public health care professionals to enhance health care.