Addressing The Challenge Of Non-Adherence Of Psychotropic Medication Among African Americans With Mental Illness: An Educational Approach

Abstract

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project investigated medication non-adherence among African American patients with mental illness within a private outpatient behavioral health setting. Recognizing the significant impact of historical mistrust, stigma, and cultural beliefs on medication adherence in this population, the project aimed to develop and implement a culturally tailored educational intervention to improve medication adherence and enhance the patient-provider relationship. Specifically, the project explored the influence of a culturally sensitive educational tool on medication adherence and trust in healthcare providers. The intervention, delivered at Completely Centered Health, LLC, focused on educating patients prescribed Zoloft about their medication regimen with the consideration of daily cultural practices. Utilizing the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model, the project collected post-intervention survey data via the Qualtrics platform. Data analysis, including descriptive statistics and common themes, revealed a significant positive impact on medication adherence and provider trust. Key findings demonstrated that 85% of participants reported an improved understanding of their medication's purpose, and 90% expressed an increased willingness to adhere to their prescribed regimen. Furthermore, 74% of participants indicated enhanced comfort in discussing cultural beliefs with their providers, suggesting an improvement in trust and communication comfortability. These findings underscore the effectiveness of culturally tailored educational interventions in improving medication adherence and fostering a more equitable and culturally competent healthcare experience for African American patients with mental illness.