Assessment of Diabetes Distress and Its Association with Medication Adherence Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: Diabetes distress, a concept that has gained increasing recognition, describes the emotional and psychological challenges faced by individuals managing diabetes. This study aimed to assess medication adherence and its association with diabetes distress among type 2 diabetes patients in selected areas of Nilgiris, and to create awareness through counseling. Materials and methods: We conducted a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study among the study population, using the DDS-17 scale to measure diabetes-related distress and a medication adherence questionnaire to assess patient’s medication-taking behavior. Informed consent was obtained before administering the scale and the questionnaire. Every patient who visited the in-patient and out-patient units of the general medicine department at GMCH, Ooty, had a single visit to collect data prospectively. Results: Data were collected from 406 participants meeting the inclusion criteria. Among them, (18 [4%]) had mild distress, (122 [30%]) had moderate distress, and (266 [66%]) experienced severe distress. Medication adherence was balanced, with 204 (50.2%) adhering to treatment and 202 (49.8%) not adhering. A chi-square test revealed a significant association between diabetes distress and medication adherence (p < 0.001, X2 (2) = 42.729). Binary logistic regression showed significant effects of quality of sleep, comorbidities, frequency of consultation, diet, exercise, family support, and marital status on distress domains (p < .05). Conclusions: Our study findings emphasize the need for healthcare professionals to implement a holistic approach to diabetes care, which considers biological, psychological, and social factors. This approach aims to improve health results and promote better self-care behaviors and coping strategies specifically related to distress.