Evaluation of Anti-diabetic Medication Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes

Adherence to treatment is a complex health behaviour, which is affected by many factors. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic clinical disorder, and several prescription medications can play a vital role in controlling symptoms and preventing complications. Nonadherence to these therapies is highly prevalent and has been linked to increase in morbidity, mortality, and health-care costs.

To evaluate the extent of adherence to Anti-diabetic medications, assess reasons for nonadherence, correlating adherence and other variables.

This was a prospective, observational study in 54 patients with diabetes, followed up for 1 month. The adherence was assessed by pill count and face-to-face interviews, using Medication Compliance Questionnaire (MCQ). Additionally, details of demography, biochemical measurements and medication management were also recorded.

The mean age was 54.53±1.48 years, 23(43%) were female and 31(57%) were male. Thirty-five (65%) patients were categorised as adherent and nineteen (35%) as nonadherent as per MCQ score. MCQ score was found to be a better measure of adherence to treatment, as it was better correlated with fasting plasma sugar and lipid levels than adherence as per pill count. Adherence status was not influenced by gender, education level, marital status and prescribed numbers of Anti-diabetic medications. Patients with disease duration <5 years were more adherent (70%) than ones >10 years of duration (54%). The other factors which decreased adherence were lack of awareness of disease-related complications, forgetfulness to take medication during travel and late refill visits.

Adherence to medication is poor in chronic diseases like diabetes and may be a cause of concern so it should be monitored carefully in chronic diseases.