145 Factors affecting adherence to psychotropics in trauma-affected refugees: data from a randomized controlled trial

Abstract OP 21: Refugees and Asylum Seekers 4, B308 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 14:45 - 15:45 Aims Non-adherence to psychotropic drugs may reduce treatment effectiveness and may lead to exacerbation of illness. Among migrant populations, studies have identified low adherence to psychotropic drugs. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the three basic components of adherence: non-initiation, non-implementation, and discontinuation, in a clinical sample of trauma-affected refugees diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. Methods Data for this study were derived from a randomized controlled trial (RCT), (n = 108). In each session with the medical doctor in the RCT, participants’ initiation, use, discomfort, and discontinuation of psychotropics were recorded. Blood samples were taken after 2-3 months of treatment and at the end of treatment to measure the concentration of psychotropics as a measure of implementation/non-implementation. Based on existing literature, individual sociodemographic and clinical candidate predictor variables that may affect the initiation, implementation, and continuation to psychotropics were selected as exposure variables. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk relationship between non-initiation, non-implementation, discontinuation, and the individual socio-demographic and clinical factors. Results Three factors - level of education, turn-up rate for medical doctor sessions, and discomfort in relation to the psychotropics - were associated with non-initiation, non-implementation, or discontinuation. Conclusions The study identified level of education, turn-up rate for medical doctor sessions, and discomfort in relation to psychotropics as important factors in relation to adherence to psychotropics in trauma-affected refugees. Factors contributing to a low turn-up rate, and factors that are consequences of a low turn-up rate, as well as communication and trust in the patient-provider interaction need further research attention. Furthermore, there is a need for research on interventions addressing adherence for refugees with mental illness.