An exploratory study of the factors associated with medication nonadherence among youth in adult mental health facilities in Ontario, Canada

Although the issue of medication nonadherence among children and youth appears to be high, there is a paucity of research examining associated factors related to medication nonadherence among youth with mental health difficulties. Using logistic regression, this exploratory study sought to examine specific factors associated with medication nonadherence among youth with mental health needs in Ontario, Canada. Data on 3681 youth between the ages of 12-18 years old were obtained from the Resident Assessment Instrument for Mental Health (RAI-MH). Medication nonadherence was observed among 24.6% of the study population. Multivariate results showed that youth who experienced side effects of psychotropic medication were more than 3 times more likely to have failed to adhere to their medication. Other significant factors contributing to medication nonadherence include age, having multiple psychiatric admissions, limited insight into mental health, and having a disturbed/dysfunctional relationship with immediate family members. Tobacco use, cannabis use, depressive symptoms, and positive symptoms were also associated with medication nonadherence. Our data highlights some of the factors associated with medication nonadherence among youth with mental health needs. Physicians, clinicians and mental health care providers need to consider these factors, particularly when planning for discharge. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.