A Study on Adherence of Medication among Diabetic Individuals of Ashoknagar of Eluru, Andhra Pradesh

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is part of the growing epidemic of non communicable diseases, with a high burden for the society on developing countries in future. The prevalence of diabetes is rapidly rising all over the world due to population growth, ageing, urbanization, mechanization, dietary habits, increase of obesity, physical inactivity and sedentary life style. More health benefits world wide would result from improving adherence. Objectives: To know the adherence of medication, treatment status and the extent to which patients omit doses of medications prescribed for diabetes.

Materials and Method: The community based cross sectional study was conducted at Ashoknagar area of Eluru during the period from September 2012 to November 2012. Medication adherence was calculated as per the proportion of days covered for given prescriptions of anti-diabetic drugs. A total of 168 individuals were selected using simple random method. Pre designed and pretested study questionnaire was filled and the drug intake, socioeconomic status and per capita income were recorded in both sexes. Results were analysed and necessary statistical tests like proportions and chi square tests were applied.

Results: 66(39.28%) were men and 102(60.71%) were women in study group. 83.92% of the individuals were having the good adherence towards drugs. Maximum adherence was seen in the age group 51 to 60 years (29.78%). Low adherence was in the age group 61 and above. The females were more adherence towards their medication 90 (62.82%). 82.14% were taking oral hypoglycemic drugs, 10.71% were taking both insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs, only 7.14% completely dependent on insulin. Good adherence was seen to hypoglycemic therapy ranged from 75% to 84.78%. Significant adherence was found in females (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the above study good adherence was seen among oral hypoglycemic drug users. Females were more adherent towards their medication. Statistically significant association was found between frequency of drug intake and adherence of medication (p<0.05). Adherence may improve the medication effectiveness of therapies.