Randomised controlled trial of a treatment adherence programme for prisoners with mental health problems in Spain.

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders is high among prisoners, who often need psychotropic medication, but compliance with treatment is often poor. This combination leads to poorer prisoner-patient health and increased health costs.The aim of this study was to test the impact of a treatment adherence programme (TAP) on medication adherence and subjective well-being among prisoners with mental health problems. We conducted a randomised controlled trial of a treatment adherence programme compared with treatment as usual (TAU) among 183 prisoners with mental health problems. Those in the TAP group showed greater treatment adherence and reported better subjective well-being with medication than those in the TAU group. We conclude that the treatment adherence of prisoners who require medication for mental health problems may be improved through specific intervention programmes. This could make a positive contribution to individual health and well-being.