The association between a free medicine program and functioning in people with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional study in Liuyang, China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Persons with schizophrenia frequently discontinue or avoid medications. Under a national community-based mental health program many places in China have started to provide free medications to people with severe mental health disorders in their communities. In the free medication program (FMP) in Liuyang, China, peripatetic psychiatrists prescribed and dispensed antipsychotic medications free of charge at regular intervals and places convenient for all patients through the primary health care system since 2006. Our study aims to test whether adherence to this FMP improves the functioning of people with schizophrenia.

Methods

The research was conducted in Liuyang, a rural county in central China. Data were obtained from three sources: an ad-hoc survey and the progra

SUBMITTER: Gong W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7185026 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature