Effects of ethnicity on psychotropic medications adherence

Community Ment Health J. 2005 Oct;41(5):521-37. doi: 10.1007/s10597-005-6359-x.

Abstract

We compared psychotropic medication adherence rates in monolingual-Hispanics (mostly Puerto Ricans), bilingual-Hispanics, and African-Americans as compared with Caucasians in 122 subjects recruited from a community mental health center (CMHC). After controlling for possible confounding factors monolingual-Hispanics and African-Americans had lower medication adherence rates (77% and 68%, respectively) than Caucasians (90%). Older age was a significant predictor of higher adherence among monolingual-Hispanics. Depressive symptoms were associated with lower adherence and more years of past treatment with higher adherence among Caucasians. Further studies are needed to better understand and improve adherence among Hispanics and African-Americans.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Black People / psychology*
  • Community Mental Health Centers / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*
  • White People / psychology*

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs