Evaluation of the relationship between loneliness and medication adherence in patients with diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectiveThe emotional status of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is important in the course of treatment. The present study aimed to determine the level of loneliness among patients with DM and to evaluate the relationship between the patients’ level of loneliness and medication adherence.MethodThis cross-sectional study used a semi-structured questionnaire and the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale to collect data from 325 patients who were diagnosed with DM.ResultsWe found that loneliness scores were significantly elevated in individuals with a low level of education, unmarried individuals, and students. Furthermore, these scores were elevated in patients diagnosed with type 1 DM, patients on insulin therapy, patients diagnosed with diabetic foot syndrome, patients who did not exercise regularly, and patients who reported being disturbed by reminders from their families or spouses to take their medications or they did not feel anything after such reminders.ConclusionsIndividuals with DM may encounter various problems in their daily lives. Evaluating the emotional status in these individuals, including loneliness and treatment adherence, is important in ensuring that their needs are being met.

Relationship between loneliness and blood glucose control in diabetes

“…An assessment of the relationship between loneliness and treatment adherence in diabetic patients showed a correlation between loneliness and postprandial blood glucose levels in these patients. Similarly to our study, no correlation was shown between HbA1c and BMI [ 21 ]. Also, no relationship was demonstrated between loneliness and these indicators in a study assessing the severity of already impaired response to stress in T2DM patients [ 14 ].…”

“…We assessed the relationships between loneliness and metabolic control indicators. Available studies indicate that HbA1c and BMI were the most common metabolic control indicators assessed in relation to loneliness [ 12 , 14 , 21 , 22 ]. An assessment of the relationship between loneliness and treatment adherence in diabetic patients showed a correlation between loneliness and postprandial blood glucose levels in these patients.…”

“…A review of studies found that among patients with diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, only 59% had medication possession ratio ≥ 80% [ 25 ]. Kusaslan Avci [ 21 ] and Kretchy [ 26 ] showed that loneliness associated with T2DM was significantly correlated with poor medication adherence. Ho and colleagues found that nonadherence to oral antidiabetic drugs, antihypertensives, or statins was related to increased A1C levels, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels [ 27 ].…”

Loneliness and COVID-19 preventive behaviours among Japanese adults

“… 6–9 Third, previous studies have linked loneliness to the failure to engage in a range of health/preventive behaviours including lower adherence to a healthy diet, 30 and medical non-adherence. 15 , 16 Importantly, the results of this study build on the findings of a recent Japanese study that looked at factors associated with not social distancing, 20 by not only indicating that loneliness may be prevalent in Japan in the early stages of the pandemic, but by showing that it is also associated with non-adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviours. In addition, our results also accord with those of a recent study from Poland which tentatively suggested a negative link between loneliness and the use of COVID-19 preventive strategies.…”

“…Recent research has linked worse psychological health (anxiety, depression) to poorer COVID-19 preventive behaviours, 14 while earlier studies have shown an association between loneliness and lower medical adherence. 15 , 16 Importantly, a recent study from Poland has indicated that loneliness may be negatively linked to COVID-19 preventive behaviours but that study did not examine the relation with individual preventive behaviours. 12 Although it is uncertain how loneliness might be associated with preventive behaviours several pathways might be involved.…”