Attitude towards drug adherence in inpatients with bipolar affective disorder: a cross-sectional study

Background and Objectives: Bipolar Affective Disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability-adjusted life years in individuals aged 15-44 years. Among the patients with Bipolar Disorder, about 60% are at least partially non-adherent to medications. This study attempted to study attitude towards drug adherence in inpatients with bipolar affective disorder. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients, between 18 to 60 years of age, diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder, undergoing inpatient treatment over a two-month period, were recruited. Their attitude towards drug adherence was assessed using a 30-item version of the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI). Results: Subjects in this study had good medication adherence (DAI= 3.12± 7.09), indicating these patients tended to report favourable views towards their psychiatric medications. Conclusion: Assessment of attitude towards non-adherence in this population showed good medication adherence and a positive response to treatment.