The Correlation between Medication Adherence and the Relapse among Patients with Schizophrenia in Kudus, Central Java

ABSTRACT Background: Mental health disorders are problems that need treatment. This treatment focuses on rapidly reducing the symptoms of psychosis in the acute phase, prolonging the period of relapse, and preventing the recurrence of worse symptoms. This study aimed to determine the correlation between medication adherence and relapse among patients with schizophrenia in Kudus, Central Java. Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Kudus, Central Java, from Agustus to September 2020. A sample of 50 schizophrenic patients was selected by accidental sampling. The dependent variable was relapsed. The independent variable was medication adherence. The data were analyzed using Spearman rank correlation. Results: There was a negative correlation between medication adherence and relapse among patients with schizophrenia, and it was statistically significant (r= -0.44; p< 0.001). Conclusion: Medication adherence in schizophrenic patients is negatively correlated with relapse in patients with schizophrenia. Keywords: medication adherence, relapse, schizophrenic patient