145 Factors affecting adherence to psychotropics in trauma-affected refugees - data from a randomized controlled trial

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai

Non-adherence to psychotropic drugs can reduce treatment effectiveness and worsen illness in vulnerable populations. This study examines factors related to the three core adherence components—non-initiation, non-implementation, and discontinuation—in a clinical sample of trauma-affected refugees diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. Data come from a randomized controlled trial with recorded initiation, use, discomfort, and discontinuation, alongside blood measures of drug concentration and logistic regression.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusions

vi54 European Journal of Public Health, Vol. 35, Supplement 6, 2025 Abstract citation ID: ckaf180.149 145 Factors affecting adherence to psychotropics in trauma-affected refugees: data from a randomized controlled trial Hinuga Sandahl1,2, Laura Glahder Lindberg1, Erik Lykke Mortensen3, Jessica Carlsson1,2 1Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry, Ballerup, Danmark 2Centre for Culture and the Mind, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Danmark 3Department of Public Health and Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Danmark OP 21: Refugees and Asylum Seekers 4, B308 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 14:45-15:45 Aims: Non-adherence to psychotropic drugs may reduce treatment effectiveness and may lead to exacerbation of illness. Among migrant populations, studies have identified low adherence to psychotropic drugs. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the three basic components of adherence: non-initiation, non-implementation, and discontinuation, in a clinical sample of traumaaffected refugees diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. Methods: Data for this study were derived from a randomized controlled trial (RCT),(n ¼ 108) . In each session with the medical doctor in the RCT, participants’ initiation, use, discomfort, and discontinuation of psychotropics were recorded. Blood samples were taken after 2-3 months of treatment and at the end of treatment to measure the concentration of psychotropics as a measure of implementation/non-implementation. Based on existing literature, individual sociodemographic and clinical candidate predictor variables that may affect the initiation, implementation, and continuation to psychotropics were selected as exposure variables. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk relationship between noninitiation, non-implementation, discontinuation, and the individual socio-demographic and clinical factors. Results: Three factors-level of education, turn-up rate for medical doctor sessions, and discomfort in relation to the psychotropics were associated with non-initiation, non-implementation, or discontinuation. Conclusions: The study identified level of education, turn-up rate for medical doctor sessions, and discomfort in relation to psychotropics as important factors in relation to adherence to psychotropics in trauma-affected refugees. Factors contributing to a low turn-up rate, and factors that are consequences of a low turn-up rate, as well as communication and trust in the patient-provider 2nd World Congress on Migration, Ethnicity, Race & Health Abstract Book vi55 interaction need further research attention. Furthermore, there is a need for research on interventions addressing adherence for refugees with mental illness.

FAQs

What does the study aim to identify about adherence?

It identifies factors associated with non-initiation, non-implementation, and discontinuation of psychotropic drugs in trauma-affected refugees diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder.

How were participants’ adherence-related outcomes measured?

During medical doctor sessions in the randomized controlled trial, initiation, use, discomfort, and discontinuation were recorded. Blood samples after 2–3 months and at treatment end measured psychotropic concentrations as a proxy for implementation.

Which factors were associated with non-adherence outcomes?

Level of education, turn-up rate for doctor sessions, and discomfort related to psychotropics were associated with non-initiation, non-implementation, or discontinuation.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai