Abstract:
Introduction: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is on the rise worldwide and
this is more so in the developing countries which unfortunately are already
overburdened by a high disease burden arising from communicable diseases. Nonadherence
to medication is potentially one of the most serious problems facing
diabetes care delivery, particularly in type II diabetes. Adherence to prescribed
medications is a key dimension of healthcare quality.
Objectives: the purpose of this study was to assess adherence and associated
factors towards anti-diabetic medication among type II diabetic patients in University
of Gondar Hospital, Diabetic Clinic, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to
June 30. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 288 participants. Data
were collected through structured interview. Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale
(MMAS) scores were used for labeling patients as adherent or non-adherent .Data
were entered through Epi-info 3.5.3 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. To see
the association of variables logistic regression with OR and 95% CI was done.
Results: A total of 288 study participants were interviewed with response rate of
100%. The level of adherence was found to be 85.1%. Factors found to be
significantly associated with anti-diabetic medication adherence were level of
education (Grades 1-6th (AOR=5.25, 95%CI= 1.19, 23.12) and certificate and above
(AOR=14.27, 95% CI= 3.0, 67.82)), duration of diabetes (AOR= 6.10, 95%CI =2.03,
18.34) and knowledge about DM and its medications (AOR=28.05, 95% CI=8.96,
87.8).
Conclusions and recommendations: The adherence to anti diabetic medications
was high. Level of education (Grades 1-6th and certificate and above), duration of
diabetes and knowledge about DM and its medication were significantly associated
with anti-diabetic medication adherence of patients. Health education including
adherence counseling to create awareness towards DM and its medications is
mandatory.
