Patients' adherence to anti-diabetic medications and factors associated with adherence

ABSTRACT

Anti-diabetic drug therapy plays a pivotal role in the glycemic control patients with diabetes. Patient with chronic diseases such as diabetes often discontinue their medications for various reasons which could lead to ineffective control of blood glucose levels. The objective of the study was to assess the patient adherence of anti-diabetic drug therapy and explore the reasons for non-adherence. This was a cross sectional survey of patients with diabetes attending the Outpatient department of Internal Medicine of Gulf Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Ajman carried out over a period of three months. Data on patient adherence, knowledge of anti-diabetic drugs and patient-provider relationship were collected with the help of a researcher-administered questionnaire. A total of 132 patients were included [63 males and 69 females]. The mean age of the subjects was 54.09 +/- 10.24 years. Patient adherence rate to anti-diabetic drugs was 84%. Adherence was similar among male and female patients. Based on the educational status, patients with schooling showed non-adherence. The most common reason for non-adherence was forgetfulness. Only 2.3% of the patients took self-medication and alternative therapies in addition to the medications prescribed. The majority of the patients had good patient-physician relationship. The patients had good knowledge of diabetes and anti-diabetic medications, received from their doctor or as self-learned. It is crucial that health providers assess adherence of patients to drug therapy in the event of poor glucose control and presumed failure of the prescribed therapeutic regimen. Additionally, the health care providers should practice patient counseling on medication adherence for effective management of diabetes