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The Role of Psychoeducation in Medication Adherence among Patients with Treatment-Naïve First-Episode Psychosis at Chainama Hills College Hospital, Lusaka: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Author

Listed:
  • Bwanga Clementina Chikwashi

    (University of Zambia, Zambia / Chainama Hills College Hospital, Zambia)

  • Anatolii Tsarkov

    (University of Zambia, Zambia / Chainama Hills College Hospital, Zambia)

  • Petro Petlovanyi

    (University of Zambia, Zambia / Chainama Hills College Hospital, Zambia)

  • Joyce Msumba Ncheka

    (University of Zambia, Zambia)

Abstract

Background: Medication non-adherence in first-episode psychosis is associated with poor clinical outcomes, relapse, and impaired functioning. This study assessed the role of psychoeducation in medication adherence among treatment-naïve patients with first-episode psychosis at Chainama Hills College Hospital, Lusaka. Methods: A single-blind, two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted with 84 treatment-naïve patients with first-episode psychosis. Participants were equally allocated to treatment as usual or treatment as usual plus psychoeducation and followed for 12 weeks. Medication adherence, symptom severity, and functioning were assessed using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and Global Assessment of Functioning, respectively. Results: Medication adherence significantly improved over time in both groups. Psychiatric symptoms decreased and functioning improved during follow-up in both study arms. However, there were no statistically significant between-group differences in medication adherence, symptom severity, or functioning at the follow-up. In the multivariable analysis, residence in a medium-density area, family monthly income of K1500–K5000, and willingness to take medication were independent predictors of improved medication adherence. Conclusion: Psychoeducation did not provide a statistically significant additional effect on medication adherence over 12 weeks compared with treatment as usual alone. Improvement in adherence appeared more strongly related to socioeconomic and motivational factors than to trial allocation.

Suggested Citation

  • Bwanga Clementina Chikwashi & Anatolii Tsarkov & Petro Petlovanyi & Joyce Msumba Ncheka, 2026. "The Role of Psychoeducation in Medication Adherence among Patients with Treatment-Naïve First-Episode Psychosis at Chainama Hills College Hospital, Lusaka: A Randomized Controlled Trial," European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, European Open Science, vol. 8(2), pages 120-129, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:epw:ejmed0:v:8:y:2026:i:2:id:70274
    DOI: 10.24018/ejmed.2026.8.2.70274
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