Abstract

Aim: to determine the factors affecting medication adherence in diabetes mellitus patients.
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the  Darbhanga Medical  College and Hospital, Laheriasarai, Darbhanga,Bihar,India. for 12 months. All diabetes patients (both Type 1 and type 2) having age more than 18 years and who were on diabetes medication were included. Total 200 patients were included in this study. A detailed questionnaire consisting of 25 questions which included demographic details and the questions on the reasons for the treatment interruption were given to all the patients visiting to study center.
Results: Mean age, weight, height and BMI of study cohort was 48.55±11.12 years, 66.87±12.28kgs, 163.69±9.11cm and 26.15±4.12kg/m2 respectively. Majority of the patients were males 136 (68%). Of the 200 patients, majority were T2DM patients 196 (98%) followed by T1DM 4 (2%). Only 30 (15%) patients had family history of diabetes. Majority of the patients were illiterate 50 (25%) followed by 40 (20%) patients who were graduate. Majority of the patients were married 194 (97%), were businessman 50 (25%) and had monthly income between 5001 to15000 rupees 40(20%). Majority of the patients were on oral antidiabetic medications 150 (75%) followed by Ayurvedic plus Oral Antidiabetic medication 40 (20%). Only, 10(5%) patients were on insulins. In present study majority of the patients were off the treatment since 1-5 months 160(80%) followed by 20(10%) patients who were off the treatment since 6-10 months. Most common response for the treatment interruption was long life medication period (73%) followed by the fact that majority were not aware of the consequences of missing the doses (70%), 66% due to the side effect of the medication and 60% had financial problem.
Conclusions: Large number of diabetes patients had poor adherence. There are many modifiable factors which can be improved on individual basis to improve the glycemic outcomes.