Assessment of medication adherence among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2048Keywords:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, medication adherence, MMAS-8,, polypharmacy, health literacyAbstract
Background
Medication adherence is a critical component in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), directly influencing glycemic control and the risk of complications. However, adherence remains suboptimal in many settings, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, such as India.
Objective
To assess the level of medication adherence among T2DM patients attending a tertiary care hospital in South Odisha and identify key socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with adherence.
Methods
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from August to October 2023 at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, involving 81 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who had been on pharmacotherapy for at least six months. Data were collected using a structured case record form and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Patients scoring ≥6 on MMAS-8 were categorized as adherent, and those scoring <6 as non-adherent. Associations between adherence and various factors were analyzed using chi-square tests and odds ratios.
Results
Among 81 patients, 57 were male (70.4%) and 24 were female (29.6%), with a mean age of 51.07 ± 11.08 years. Overall, 29.6% were adherent while 70.4% were non-adherent. Significant associations with adherence were observed for younger age <60 years (OR 5.09; 95% CI 1.32–19.6; p=0.008), literacy (OR 3.35; 95% CI 1.19–9.42; p=0.02), working lifestyle (OR 3.67; 95% CI 1.21–11.12; p=0.02), regular exercise (OR 2.97; 95% CI 1.02–8.63; p=0.04), and simpler therapy (≤2 drugs) (OR 6.69; 95% CI 1.66–26.9; p=0.002). Gender and treatment duration showed no significant association.
Conclusion
Medication adherence among T2DM patients in this setting was alarmingly low. Key determinants included age, education, lifestyle, physical activity, and complexity of therapy.
Recommendation
Interventions focusing on health literacy, lifestyle counseling, and simplified pharmacotherapy are urgently needed to improve adherence and outcomes in diabetes care.
References
Dr Santosh Kumar Das, Primary contributor
Postgraduate Resident, Department of Pharmacology, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha
Email id: santadas1234@gmail.com
Phone no. 7381511773
Address: Academic block, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, 760004
Dr Jayanti Prava Behera, Second author
Professor and H.O.D., Department of Pharmacology, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha
Email ID: pravabeherajayanti@yahoo.com
Phone no. 9438115115
Address: Academic block, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, 760004
Dr Suvendu Kumar Panda, Corresponding author
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, MKCG, Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha
Email ID: suvendukumarpanda041@gmail.com
Phone no. 9437748309.
ORCID ID:- https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5830-7351
Address: Academic block, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, 760004
Dr. Srikanta Panigrahy, Third author
Senior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur
Email ID: srikantapanigrahy.panigrahy@gmail.com
Phone no. 83389 67503
Address: Academic block, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, 760004
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Santosh Kumar Das, Dr Jayanti Prava Behera, Dr Suvendu Kumar Panda, Dr. Srikanta Panigrahy

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