Factors Contributing to Noncompliance With Diabetic Medications and Lifestyle Modifications in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is defined as a chronic medical condition in which the blood glucose level remains high. The risk factors of T2DM are high body mass index due to obesity or being overweight, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Lifestyle modification plays a crucial role in T2DM regulation and prevention, and if it is not controlled well by either lifestyle modification or DM regulatory medications, it may lead to medical complications ranging from mild to life-threatening complications.Aim: The purpose of this study is to find the contributory factors of noncompliance with oral antidiabetic drugs and lifestyle modifications in patients with T2DM in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. This will help control one of the most widespread comorbidities that might otherwise be a significant burden on patients' health and financial status as well as on the government. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on T2DM patients in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia through a link distributed on social media, and the contributory factors of noncompliance to diabetes medication and lifestyle modification were evaluated.Results: A total of 426 participants were included in the study. Regarding compliance with DM medications, 199 (46.7%) participants were adherent to their medications, 148 (34.7%) were not adherent to their medication, 42 (9.9%) were sometimes adherent, and 37 (8.7%) were mostly adherent to their medication. Regarding lifestyle modification, the level of adherence to a healthy diet and exercise among T2DM patients in the eastern province was low and unsatisfactory. According to the participants, the most reported factors contributing to noncompliance with DM medications and lifestyle modifications were forgetfulness, lack of knowledge about diabetes and the importance of controlling it, side effects of the medications, and difficulty in following a healthy diet. Regarding the influence of sociodemographic variables on the level of adherence in T2DM patients, factors such as age, marital status, occupation, comorbidities, diagnosis period, and previous complaints of DM complications showed significant associations with compliance with DM medication. Conclusion:The findings of this study revealed that the level of adherence to DM medications among T2DM patients in the eastern province was suboptimal. Although free medicines were available with a high level of healthcare access through government primary healthcare centers (PHCCs), poor adherence was observed. This study highlighted that medication adherence might be affected by age, marital status, occupation, chronic diseases, diagnosis period, and previous complaints of DM complications. Regarding lifestyle modification, this study showed that the level of adherence to a healthy diet and exercise among T2DM patients in the eastern province was low and unsatisfactory. Our recommendation is to measure the presence of dietician clinics, patient relationships with their healthcare providers, and their ef...

Knowledge and Attitude of School Students About Diabetes Mellitus in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

“…In this study, only half of the diabetic students followed their management plan, and 63% of them reported difficulties in their adherence to their antidiabetic medications. Studies that have been done in the past in Saudi Arabia support this [29][30][31][32]. The majority of a school-aged child's day is spent in school, which can provide substantial obstacles or serve as a great source of support for a child with diabetes.…”

The Mediating Effect of Self-Efficacy on the Relationship Between Medication Literacy and Medication Adherence Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

“… 39 Age, marital status, occupation, comorbidities and duration of disease were significantly associated with medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes in eastern Saudi Arabia. 40 Therefore, patients with the characteristics of old age, unemployment and lack of exercise should be regarded as the key population to improve medication adherence.…”

“…39 Age, marital status, occupation, comorbidities and duration of disease were significantly associated with medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes in eastern Saudi Arabia. 40 Therefore, patients with the characteristics of old age, unemployment and lack of exercise should be regarded as the key population to improve medication adherence. The mean medication literacy score of the participants was 9.44±3.28, which is at the top of the medium medication literacy level, and 95.0% of the participants had a moderate or adequate medication literacy level.…”