Abstract
Aims
This study aimed to elucidate the level and determinants of adherence to oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and to employ patient interview as a prediction tool for suhoptimal adherence, for preventing and reducing complications.
Methods
In this analytical, cross-sectional study, 383 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were interviewed using an electronic, self-constructed, validated questionnaire. Patients were recruited from all Ministry of Health centers across Jeddah, through stratified random sampling. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the significance of the results.
Results
Suboptimal levels of adherence were reported by 74.9% of the participants. Predictors of suboptimal adherence are as follows: younger age (P = 0.003), employment [odd ratio (OR), 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-3.0], unavailability of reminder (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.1), and non-commitment to appointments (OR, 6.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.1).
Conclusion
The level of adherence to OHAs was found to be suboptimal. Encountering any of the predictors of suhoptimal adherence while interviewing the patient should prompt extra vigilance in the approach. Furthermore, utilizing methods to augment adherence might be prudent.