Factors affecting adherence of antidepressants treatment in outpatients with new onset depression_Focusing on health insurance Employee and Self-employed

Objectives: Continuing to take antidepressants is very important in treating depression; however, low adherence of antidepressants is commonly seen in the treatment of depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting adherence of antidepressants in outpatients with new onset depression. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using National Health Insurance claim data for services provided in 2012. We examined data from a total of 142,336 individuals aged 18 years or older who were continuously enrolled in treatment after a new episode of major depression and who had initiated antidepressant treatment. we estimated adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using logistic regression analysis. Results: The operational definition of adherence to antidepressant treatment was medication being dispensed to the patient at least 80% of the time during 3 months (ie. MPR≥80%). A statistically significant association was found between adherence of antidepressant and gender, income level, age at first onset of depression, first antidepressants type, treatment type, first health care institution. Conclusions: Depression can lead to serious social problems such as suicide if left untreated. Therefore, it is necessary to continue research on factors influencing adherence of antidepressants.