The Relationship between Psychological Disorders and Medication Adherence in College Students
Date
2015-04
Authors
Cobos, Briana
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Abstract
Introduction: Medication adherence for a chronic health condition can determine the effectiveness of a treatment or medication regimen aimed at providing individuals with optimal health. Past research has shown that individuals who demonstrate symptoms of a mental health disorder, such as depression and/or anxiety, have lower adherence towards their treatment regimen. Therefore, this study aimed to assess how psychological disorders relate to medication adherence in college students with chronic conditions.
Method: College students from Texas State University were invited to participate in an online study via advertisements across campus. One hundred and seventy-one students taking medication for a chronic health condition were included in the current study.
Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky 8-item Medication Adherence Questionnaire to identify significant relationships with demographic variables, psychological disorders, health related quality of life, and medication barriers. Results: Contrary to our hypothesis, the presence of a psychological disorder was not significantly associated with medication adherence. However, the presence of a psychological disorder was significantly related to known medication barriers towards adherence and mental and physical domains of health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Results from this study suggest the need for further research examining the relationship between psychological disorders and medication adherence, as well as known medication-taking barriers and quality of life in young adults.
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Keywords
Psychological disorders, Medication adherence, College students
Citation
Cobos, B. (2015). The relationship between psychological disorders and medication adherence in college students (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.