Assessment of medication knowledge among adults with diabetes mellitus in a Nigerian teaching hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: Previous research had suggested a relationship between patients' knowledge of their medications and their adherence to treatment instructions.Objective: To assess medication knowledge among adults with diabetes mellitus at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State.Methods: This was a cross sectional study of 152 adults with either Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes mellitus attending the Diabetes Clinic of the OOUTH. A two-part questionnaire was used to collect data on demography and knowledge of their medications.Results: Out of the one hundred and fifty two respondents, 60.5% were females and majority, (50.7%) fell within the 60-79 years age group. Majority (76.3%) of the patients reported very good medication knowledge, 32% and 46.1% knew the names and number of all the drugs they were taking respectively. Majority (96.1%) were aware they were receiving treatment for diabetes mellitus. The pharmacist was rated as the main information provider by 38.8% while 50.7% were not satisfied with their level of glycaemic control. Although 32.2% agreed that the information provided made available to them was sufficient, 71.1% preferred medication instructions in both written and verbal forms. Conclusions: The present study revealed the need for adequate and appropriate information for patients receiving care for diabetes mellitus to enable them engage in effective self-care management of their ailment