Barrier and facilitator factors affecting the medication adherence of ındividuals diagnosed with schizophrenia: a qualitative study

Abstract Medication nonadherence is common among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and leads to significant health, economic, and social challenges. Improving medication adherence requires a deeper understanding of both the barriers and facilitating factors that influence treatment engagement. This study aimed to explore these factors among individuals with schizophrenia living in the community. The research adopted a descriptive qualitative design. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted face-to-face with 21 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who were receiving services from a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Barriers to medication adherence were grouped into four themes: perceptions of the treatment process, risky behaviors during treatment, difficulties in accessing healthcare services and providers, and experiences of discrimination. Facilitating factors were also categorized into four themes: awareness of disorder and treatment, therapeutic alliance with the healthcare team, social support, and future expectations. A holistic, therapeutic alliance-based service approach is essential for evaluating and promoting medication adherence. The findings demonstrate the importance of culturally sensitive, patient-centered interventions and collaborative treatment planning. This study contributes to the development of clinical strategies and health policies by identifying key psychosocial and structural factors that influence adherence. Mental health professionals expect the results to guide them in fostering effective therapeutic relationships and improving long-term treatment outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia.