Factors associated with medication adherence among patients receiving regular treatment for type II diabetes at Godakawela Divisional Hospital, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a non-communicable disease. Achieving good glycaemic control and preventing early complications are key goals in diabetes management, and it is heavily dependent on patient adherence to prescribed regimens. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with medication adherence among patients with T2DM. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 175 patients with T2DM attending the medical clinic at Godakawela Divisional Hospital, Sri Lanka. A self-administered questionnaire with patient related factors and the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS8) to assess adherence to diabetic medications was used to collect data. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages chi square and Pearson corelation in SPSS V25.0. Most of the participants were female (77.7%, n=136), married (98.3%, n=172), educated to O/Ls (44%, n=77) and unemployed (43.4%, n=76). The mean age was 62±8.38 years. The mean duration of T2DM was 7.9±5.7 years. Only 27.4%(n=48) had a family history of diabetes. High medication adherence was reported by 7.4%(n=13) of patients, majority had medium (65.7%, n=115) and 26.9%(n=47) had low medication adherence (MMAS8 scores equalling 8, 6 to <8, or <6, were categorized as having high, medium or low adherence to therapy, respectively). Medication adherence was significantly associated with gender (P =0.009), marital status (P=0.009), regularly testing Blood Glucose levels (P =0.019), keeping blood test records(P=0.027) and having side effects to medication use (P =0.043). Further medication adherence was positively correlated with duration of living with diabetes (P =0.027). In conclusion, to improve adherence, targeted interventions should focus on educational programs focusing on the importance of regular blood glucose monitoring and record-keeping, as well as strategies to manage medication side effects. Furthermore, personalized care plans that consider the patient's duration of diabetes and age of onset can enhance adherence rates and ultimately improve the health outcomes among this population.