Does the interaction between people with schizophrenia and their families interfere in medication adherence?

OBJECTIVE: To identify, from the perspective of the people with schizophrenia and their family members, what occurs in the patient-family interaction related to medication adherence. METHODS: A qualitative study using the methodological framework of Grounded Theory, and assumptions of Symbolic Interactionism. Participating in the study were 36 people with schizophrenia in outpatient treatment and 36 family members. To obtain the data, we used recorded interview and observation. RESULTS: The depositions obtained revealed that family members can provide support and motivation, providing patient adherence to treatment; but they may also encourage them not to adhere to pharmacotherapy. Also highlighted was the influence of burden and the unpreparedness of family caregivers about the quality of care provided. CONCLUSION: Health professionals can intervene, together with families, encouraging interactions that contribute to successful treatment and encouraging them to modify interactions that can compromise it.

Schizophrenia; Nursing; Family; Medication adherence; Interpersonal relations