Objective: The primary objective of this study is to examine the medication adherence 
levels (as a function of pharmaceutical care) and its contributing factors in schizophrenic 
patients receiving antipsychotic drugs.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study administering a structured questionnaire to 
231 patients. Adherence was measured through patient self-reporting. Association between 
independent variables and adherence to antipsychotics were measured through odds ratios 
(OR) in the univariate analysis while the best predictors of adherence were determined 
through the multiple logistic regressions.
Findings: Adherence level was found to be 65.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 59.3-71.9%). 
The following factors were identified to be associated with adherence in the univariate 
analysis: age (OR 1.088), sex (OR 1.231), employment (OR 0.366), marital status (singles, OR 
0.022), drug adherence counseling (OR 11.641), twice a day frequency (OR 8.434), alcohol 
non-intake (OR 1.469), educational level (primary OR 1.9312, secondary OR 11.022, tertiary 
OR 4.771), occupation (public servant 6.273). In the multivariate analysis, age, three times 
a day frequency of drug intake, singles and educational levels such as primary, secondary or 
tertiary school, strongly affected adherence (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Although patients adherence level was high (65.8%), there is a need to 
emphasize that pharmacists spend more time in counseling and educating patients, especially 
younger ones on drug adherence before any antipsychotic medications are dispensed. 
Furthermore, patients should be taught the use of adherence devices such as reminders so 
that adherence to antipsychotic medications can be optimized.