Adherence to Treatment in Poorer Countries: A New Research Direction? Alison Breen, M.A., Leslie Swartz, Ph.D., John Joska, M.B.Ch.B., F.C.Psych.(S.A.), Alan J. Flisher, Ph.D., F.C.Psych.(S.A.) and Joanne Corrigall, M.B.B.Ch., D.M.H.(S.A.) Psychiatr Serv 58:567-568, April 2007

The Letter

This letter to the editor points out the obvious but often overlooked fact that “most studies of treatment adherence have been conducted in high-income countries and the question arises as to whether there are structural barriers to adherence that are particular to, but underresearched in, areas with poor resources.”

The authors looked at a qualitative study of ten cases conducted in South African households with members who were caring for a household member who had schizophrenia and living in poor urban environments. Several themes were identified indicative of the particular healthcare compliance problems that challenge the poor.

Commentary

The factors affecting compliance seem never-ending. Nonetheless, as the authors of this letter point out, poverty inflicts special problems on a large number of patients and research efforts in this area are essential - for all of us.

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