ASSESSMENT OF MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN BIPOLAR DISORDER PATIENTS USING MEDICATION ADHERENCE TOOL

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of medication adherence among patients with bipolar disorder and to identify the factors associated with low adherence. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months at the Psychiatry outpatient department of Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Assam, India. A total of 140 patients with bipolar disorder were recruited using consecutive sampling. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky 8-Item Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), and demographic data were collected through structured interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify factors associated with adherence. Results: The study found that 45% of the participants had low adherence (MMAS-8 score >2), 30% had medium adherence (score 1–2), and 25% had high adherence (score 0). Factors significantly associated with low adherence included lower educational levels, unmarried status, and rural residence. Forgetfulness (58%), side effects (22%), and inconvenience (20%) were the primary reasons for non-adherence. Interventions like reminder systems were found to improve adherence rates significantly. Conclusion: Medication adherence in patients with bipolar disorder remains suboptimal, with nearly half of the study population exhibiting low adherence. Addressing factors such as cognitive impairments, side effects, and lack of social support through tailored interventions could improve adherence and patient outcomes. Further research is needed to develop and implement strategies that address the complex barriers to adherence in this population.