Adherence To Anti-Diabetic Medication Among Adults Receiving Care At Korle-Bu Polyclinic

ABSTRACT

Background

Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires long term management to prevent complications. It is

a growing public health problem. Adherence to treatment has been recognized as a major

problem in patients with chronic diseases despite the compelling evidence about effectiveness of

medication. About 50% chronic care patients in the developed countries are non adherent and it

is estimated to be higher in developing countries such as Ghana.

Diabetes mortality and morbidity have increased substantially at the Korle Bu polyclinic. This

high level of mortality and morbidity was due to high glycaemic levels which can be caused by

low or non adherence to therapy. This study determined the adherence level, factors that affect

adherence to medication among adults receiving care at Korle-Bu polyclinic.

Method

A cross sectional study was conducted among adult diabetics receiving care at the Korle-Bu

polyclinic from 25 to 65 years. A structured questionnaire and data extraction sheet for patient’s

folder were use to collect data. Adherence was assessed using the eight-item Morisky Medication

Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Data was analyzed using the STATA software version 12. Multiple

regression model was used to identify factors associated with adherence.

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Results

Overall 63% (183/300) participants have poor adherence. Ability to afford medication

(OR=0.29; 95%CI=0.12-0.70) and forgetfulness (OR=34.42; 95%CI=10.31-114.86) were

significantly associated with adherence.

Conclusion

At Korle-Bu polyclinic, patients who are able to afford their medications were less likely to have

poor adherence. However patients who reported forgetfulness as a reason for missing doses and

those who reported that diabetes can cause loss of sensation in hands and toes were more likely

to have poor adherence. There is the need for diabetic medications to be subsidized and

interventions like patient selected treatment support system to be introduced in the management

of diabetes.