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.
