OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of non-adherence to anti-psychotic (AP) drugs and disease comorbidity on healthcare utilization and health status in schizophrenia.

METHODS

A retrospective, cross sectional research data was obtained from Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys (MEPS, 2010-2014). Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) measure of adherence was used to identify and classify individuals as adherent (PDC ≥ 80%) or non-adherent (PDC < 80%). Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI) scores were used to identify disease comorbidity in schizophrenia. Effects of key study variables on medication non-adherence were observed. Group comparisons using Student’s t-test were also performed for utilization in two groups—adherent vs nonadherent & comorbid vs non-comorbid populations. The HRQoL was measured in terms of Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores using Short Form-12, along with Kessler Index (K6) score for psychological distress.

RESULTS CONCLUSIONS

Greater medical care resources are utilized by schizophrenia individuals that are non-adherent to anti-psychotic medications and also diagnosed with comorbidities than those without such problems.