Medication Adherence, Treatment Satisfaction, and Patient–Doctor Relationship in Patients with Mood Disorders at a Saudi Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ahmad H. Almadani^1*Ayedh H. Alghamdi¹Mohammed A. Alkathiri²Fay H. AlBuqami³Saleh A. Alrahmah²Khalaf A. Aljumah⁴Ziyad B. Alenazi²Elaaf A. Albadi²Yara A. Alfarraj²Noorah E. Alkhilaiwi²Abdullah K. Muhnna²Mohammed A. Aljaffer¹

• ¹Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• ²College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• ³Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• ⁴ERADAH Complex for Mental Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Mood disorders are highly prevalent and associated with significant impairment. This study examines medication adherence (MA), treatment satisfaction (TS), and patient–doctor relationships (PDRs) among adult patients with mood disorders at a Saudi tertiary hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study’s tool included a questionnaire we developed and the Arabic versions of the Medication Adherence Rating Scale, Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM), and Patient–Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ). Results: Among the 260 participants, 79.2% demonstrated good MA, 34.23% exhibited low TS, and 62.31% reported good PDRs. Good MA was significantly associated with higher global TSQM scores (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.04; p < 0.001) and better PDR (p = 0.034). Illness duration was a significant factor associated with MA (AOR = 0.14; p = 0.034 for 1–5 years compared with <1 year), TS (AOR = 6.07; p = 0.004 for >10 years compared with <1 year), and PDR (p = 0.028). Being supported by family and friends “to some extent” was associated with lower TS (AOR = 0.52; p = 0.024) and poorer PDR (AOR = 0.37; p = 0.002) than those receiving more support. Education level was significantly associated with TS, specifically for those with a bachelor’s degree compared with uneducated participants (AOR = 5.04; p = 0.003). MA was significantly related to age (AOR = 29.83; p = 0.019 for >65 years old compared with 18–25 years old) and number of regular medications (AOR = 0.66; p = 0.044). A significant relationship was found between TS and the perception of patients who believed they had a mental illness and needed treatment (p = 0.001). PDR was significantly better among those not having to buy their own psychiatric medication compared with those who always buy them (AOR = 5.04; p = 0.002) and those with a history of using alternative methods compared with those without (AOR = 2.23; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Our findings highlight the interconnectedness of MA, TS, and PDR and the influence of several factors. Patient-centered specific strategies are needed to address these factors.