Factors associated with the lack of adherence to treatment among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background: Adherence to pharmacological treatment (APT) is crucial for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to achieve metabolic control and decrease complications. Aim: To establish the proportion of APT in patients with T2DM, the influence of the same on blood glucose, and the factors involved in a lack of ATP. Material and Methods: Diabetic patients were interrogated about sociodemographic factors, the evolution of the disease, their fasting blood glucose levels, and the use of other treatments. APT was evaluated with the Morisky-Green questionnaire, patient beliefs about treatments with the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), and patient knowledge about T2DM with the standard questionnaire. Results: A representative sample of 400 individuals of both sexes was studied, finding a lack of APT in 74.5% of patients. The latter patients showed a significantly greater level of blood glucose while being more preoccupied and less informed about the disease. A lack of APT was associated with the refusal to undergo the blood glucose test among men (Odds ratio (OR)=3.70; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.58-8.66) and with the consumption of medicinal plants among women (OR=2.53; IC 95%, 1.23-5.23). Conclusions: A lack of APT in patients with T2DM is a serious problem and associated with a lack of knowledge about the disease. It is urgent to strengthen the educational programs in relation to T2DM to promote adherence to treatment.