Abstract:
Type-2 diabetes mellitus is recognized as a key non-communicable disease affecting over 425 million people globally, with only half of them currently diagnosed. One key indicator of mortality associated with type-2 diabetes is poor adherence to the prescribed medication. The aim of this study was to assess the burden of non-adherence to medication and its associated factors among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients seeking care in Gatundu Level 5 hospital targeting men and women attending the medical outpatient clinics for diabetes management. The study used a cross-sectional study design. Convenience sampling technique was employed for participant selection and inclusion into the study. A random blood sugar (RBS) measurement - was taken at the beginning of the study and adherence to medication was tracked using an adherence card and pill counts for a month. The results showed that 31 (31.6%) of the participants were between 60-69 years, 70 (71.4%) were married and 66 (67.3%) were female. In addition, 37 (37.8%) had diabetes for more than 8 years, 70.6% had hypertension and 83.7% were prescribed tablets as initial treatment. Majority of the respondents constituting 80.7% had high adherence to prescribed diabetes medication regimen, knowledge on diabetes treatment (p=0.009). Participants ability to detect low blood sugar levels through signs and symptoms and to self-manage it had significantly higher adherence to antidiabetic (p=0.001). The level of education was associated with medication non-adherence. However, this association did not reach statistical significance. There was a positive correlation between knowledge on shaking and fast heart rate and effect of exercise on blood sugar level (r = 0.246, p-value=0.014), (r = 0.607) as well as keeping appointment days and detecting low blood sugar levels through signs and symptoms and manage (r =0.283; p-value 0.011). The current study revealed the need for healthcare managers and providers to introduce a sensitization program on diabetic medication adherence to prevent diabetic complications.
