A study to evaluate compliance in patients of diabetes mellitus in a North-Indian tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: The objective of the study was to determine level of adherence and recognize various causative factors which can affect the compliance in the diabetic patients.Methods: This was an observational study. The study was conducted by enrolling patients of the outpatient department of Medicine of Rajindra Hospital, Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab. To assess adherence, a questionnaire was administered to the patients - Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) -8 item questionnaire. The various factors affecting compliance was determined by a researcher made questionnaire.Results: Out of a total of 100 subjects, age range extended from 18 years to 80 years. The mean age was 57.52±12.33years. 51% of patients were females and 49% was males. Analysis of MMAS- 8 item scores of patients showed that 52% of patients had low adherence, 29% had medium while 19% had high adherence to the treatment. Only 30% patients were compliant i.e. with HbA1C value of 7 or less while 70% patients were non-compliant i.e. with HbA1C value of more than 7.Conclusions: Compliance to medical treatment is influenced by a myriad of factors. In order to promote compliance, it is necessary to increase awareness about the disease, possible complications and treatment guidelines among patients as well as their family members.

Adherence to medications among adults with diabetes mellitus in the urban field practice area of a private medical college in Bangalore, Karnataka, India

“…Here, 70 (46.7%) of the diabetics belonged to the age group of 45-59 years. Similar findings were observed in the study by Shukla P et al [2] wherein the mean age of the participants was 57.52±12.33 years.…”

“…Substance abuse often compromises the glycemic control of patients further reducing their quality of life [2]. In this study, majority of the study subjects 121 (80.7%) and 114 (76%) had not used alcohol and had not used tobacco in the past one month respectively.…”

“…Majority, 80 (53.3%) had a disease duration of 1-5 years. However, in a study conducted at Patiala [2], 29% of the patients were diagnosed with diabetes between the period of 1-5 years. Thekkur P et al [5] observed that co-morbidities was absent in 93.2% of the participants similar to the present study (74.7%).…”

“…Diabetes mellitus has become an important public health concern which needs immediate attention of the healthcare professionals. Its optimum control is a major challenge to patients and poses a great burden on the health care system and national economy [2].…”

“…The decline in adherence is most rapid after the first 6 months of therapy. Thus, the overall management of type 2 diabetes should address adherence as well as appropriate medications [2].…”