A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON PROPORTION, RISK FACTORS, DRUG UTILIZATION EVALUATION, AND PUBLIC STIGMA ON PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
Author(s)
Abhishek U N, PharmD1, Chithra Jain B N, M Pharm2;
1R R College of Pharmacy, Assistant Professor, Bangalore, India, 2R R College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, India
1R R College of Pharmacy, Assistant Professor, Bangalore, India, 2R R College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, India
OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, associated risk factors, patterns of drug utilization, treatment adherence, quality of life, and public stigma among patients with mental illnesses attending a tertiary care hospital in India.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a mixed-method approach was conducted among 293 psychiatric patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru. Data were collected from medical records and complemented with observational interviews. Drug utilisation patterns were assessed, treatment adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, quality of life was evaluated using the WHO Quality of Life (WHO-QOL) scale, and public stigma was assessed using the STIGMA-9 questionnaire.
RESULTS: The study population predominantly consisted of middle-aged male patients. The most common psychiatric diagnosis was comorbid alcohol dependence and nicotine dependence, followed by schizophrenia and depressive disorders. Polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions were frequently observed. Atypical antipsychotics, particularly risperidone, were commonly prescribed. Medication adherence was found to be moderate among patients. All domains of quality of life were adversely affected. Assessment of public attitudes revealed moderate to high levels of stigma toward individuals with mental disorders.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the need for integrated strategies focusing on rational prescribing practices, improving medication adherence, and addressing stigma to enhance overall psychiatric care outcomes.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a mixed-method approach was conducted among 293 psychiatric patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru. Data were collected from medical records and complemented with observational interviews. Drug utilisation patterns were assessed, treatment adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, quality of life was evaluated using the WHO Quality of Life (WHO-QOL) scale, and public stigma was assessed using the STIGMA-9 questionnaire.
RESULTS: The study population predominantly consisted of middle-aged male patients. The most common psychiatric diagnosis was comorbid alcohol dependence and nicotine dependence, followed by schizophrenia and depressive disorders. Polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions were frequently observed. Atypical antipsychotics, particularly risperidone, were commonly prescribed. Medication adherence was found to be moderate among patients. All domains of quality of life were adversely affected. Assessment of public attitudes revealed moderate to high levels of stigma toward individuals with mental disorders.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the need for integrated strategies focusing on rational prescribing practices, improving medication adherence, and addressing stigma to enhance overall psychiatric care outcomes.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-05, ISPOR 2026, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue S6
Code
HSD84
Topic
Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Disease
SDC: Neurological Disorders