DOI: 10.36347/sasjm.2020.v06i02.003

Pages: 29-37

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one among chronic disease requiring long term medication and its prevalence increasing globally. It is becoming a potential epidemic in India with more than 62 million diagnosed diabetics and an increase of nearly 2 million per year. Adherence to treatment is very important for good glycemic control. Poor adherence to medication regimens increases the probability of adverse outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients. Therefore, improving medication adherence is a growing priority to control this epidemic. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the level of adherence to medication in Type 2 diabetic patients and to study the various factors affecting adherence. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at medicine outpatient department (OPD) and general medical ward of a tertiary care teaching hospital, MIMS, Mandya, Karnataka, India. Among 200 type 2 diabetic patients for duration of 2 months using a predesigned and pretested semi-structured interview schedule and diabetes medication adherence was assessed by Morisky’s medication adherence scale questionnaire. Results: Out of 200 participants, 15 (7.5%) were found to have high adherence while 67 (33.5%) had moderate and 118 (59%) had low adherence. Factors found to be associated with non-adherence were older age (>60years), females, low education status, unemployment, longer duration of disease, people from villages, diabetics without family support, poor socioeconomic status, cost, complexity of drug regimens, frequent dosing, long duration of treatment, lack of knowledge of disease and medications, non-availability of medications and absence of glucometer. 76.27% of the patients had poor plasma glucose control. Conclusion: There is a need to focus on improving adherence among type 2 diabetes patients and strengthening health care systems for regular supply of medicines and provide health education to the patients and their families emphasizing the need of adherence.......