Does the Distance to the Nearest Pharmacy Affect Medication Adherence Rates Among Elderly Patients with Diabetes?

Abstract

A483(75 patients each). The 75 patients on our intervention group were educated by the Pharmacist on diabetes and hypertension, their complications, risks, preventive measures and management. This was done at least six times during the study period unlike the control group who received no such education. In particular, they were counseled on the need for medication and treatment adherence such as clinic visits, and life style modifications including diet and exercise. Outcome measure included changes in fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI) and adherence to instructions. Results: There were no statistical differences between the baseline and 6 months data of the control group as mean fasting blood sugar were 162.2 ± 69.1 and 159.9 ±57.2 (P= 0.825) and mean systolic blood pressure of 144.7 ± 23.8 and 145.5±18.6 (P= 0.819) respectively. The intervention group had mean fasting blood sugar of 156.7 ± 30.5 and 131.8± 40.4 (P< 0.001) and mean systolic blood pressure of 146.4 ± 13.9 and 133.8 ± 18.5 (P< 0.001) respectively. Adherence levels to medication taking in the groups were 42.7% : 94.7% respectively (P= 0.001). ConClusions: In diabetes management, patient education and counseling have become key tools in achieving both glycaemic and blood pressure control.

Geosocial Factors Associated With Adherence to Statin Medications

“…The finding that geographic distance to pharmacy was not a significant predictor has been demonstrated in previous studies. 4,5 Conversely, the present study found that RI, a measure of 1 dimension of RRS, was significantly associated with adherence, where residence in more isolated areas was associated with lower adherence. Likewise, the SES measure used in the present study found that areas of lower SES had lower levels of adherence to statin drug therapy.…”

“…3 Patients may need to travel farther when there is limited access to pharmacies close to home. Generally, studies have found that the distance between home and the pharmacy is not significantly associated with medication adherence 4,5 and that patients may travel beyond their most closely located pharmacy to one they are more satisfied with. 6 A previous study by the investigators found that statin adherence varies significantly across the State of Michigan for an insured sample of patients taking statin therapy.…”

Treatment adherence and associated factors among glaucoma patients attending Ophthalmic units of referral hospitals in North West Ethiopia, 2019

“…This is in line with studies conducted on other chronic diseases (36,37). However, a study in Pennsylvania contrasts this finding (38).This might be due to the socioeconomic differences of study participants.…”

Treatment adherence and associated factors among glaucoma patients attending ophthalmic unit of Debre Markos Referral and Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals

“…This is in line with studies conducted on other chronic diseases [35,36]. However, a study in Pennsylvania contrast to this finding [37]. This might be due to socio-economic difference of study participants.…”