ABSTRACT
Burden of diabetes mellitus in India is on rise. Adherence to treatment is essential to diabetes control and prevention of complications. Objectives: To study the adherence to treatment of diabetes mellitus and its determinants among rural population Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural community of north India. From a list of all self-reported diabetics (aged ≥18 years), 400 were randomly selected. Information about drug prescription and intake, socio-demographic factors, health seeking behaviors and disease status were obtained from the participants. Height, weight and blood pressure were recorded. Blood samples were collected to measure HbAlc levels Results: Out of 371 self-reported diabetic patients, 113 (30.4%) did not take any medication since last one month of the interview. Amongst 258 patients, who were taking treatment, 146 (39.4, 95%CI: 34.5-44.4) were found to have 100% drug adherence rate. Tobacco (p=0.03) and alcohol (p=0.04) use were significantly associated with drug adherence on bi variate analysis. Drug adherence rate was higher in group with HbA1c level more than 6.4gm%. Conclusion: A high proportion of diabetic patients were not adhering to the treatment prescribed to them by their consulting doctors. There is urgent need for awareness generation about diabetes treatment adherence and developing adherence monitoring mechanisms at community level.