Psychoeducation and Medication Adherence Among Schizophrenia Patients at the Katsina State Neuropsychiatric Hospital

Medication non-adherence is a major clinical challenge in schizophrenia management in Nigeria, and psychoeducation delivered by clinical psychologists represents a structured intervention strategy with demonstrated efficacy in improving adherence outcomes in comparable international settings. This study examines the effectiveness of psychoeducation on medication adherence among schizophrenia patients at Katsina State Neuropsychiatric Hospital, North West Nigeria. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design with a control group is applied to 80 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia by DSM-5 criteria, assigned to structured group psychoeducation plus routine pharmacotherapy or routine pharmacotherapy alone. The eight-session psychoeducation programme covers illness understanding, medication rationale, side effect management, and relapse recognition. Medication adherence is measured using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale at baseline, end of intervention, and three-month follow-up. ANOVA and effect size calculations are performed in SPSS. Available psychiatric rehabilitation literature from North West Nigeria identifies lack of illness understanding and side effect fear as the dominant medication adherence barriers, with family involvement in psychoeducation significantly improving outcomes. The Health Belief Model and the Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills Model provide the theoretical framework. Findings will support the hospital in formalising psychoeducation delivery within its psychiatric rehabilitation programme. Keywords: psychoeducation, medication adherence, schizophrenia, Katsina State, North West Nigeria.