SURVEY ON TREATMENT ADHERENCE IN TYPE 2 DIABETES OUTPATIENTS AT THONG NHAT HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus has emerged as a critical and escalating global health concern, affecting individuals across all age demographics. Despite the chronic and progressive nature of diabetes, treatment adherence among patients remains notably low.

Objective: To assess the medication adherence rate in outpatients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design involving all type 2 diabetes outpatients treated at the Endocrinology Clinic of Thong Nhat Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, from December 2022 to June 2023. The Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5) was used to evaluate treatment adherence among study participants.

Results: A total of 387 patients participated in the study, with a mean age of 68.6 years; male patients accounted for 60.2% of the sample. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (84.6%), dyslipidemia (94.6%), and chronic coronary syndrome (44.7%). Multimorbidity was observed in the majority (86%) of patients, with a mean Charlson comorbidity index of 2.5 ± 0.9, and polypharmacy was common, seen in 81.4% of cases. Dual-drug regimens were predominant (50.1%), with Metformin and Sulfonylureas being the most frequently prescribed medications. Glycemic control, defined by HbA1C ≤ 7%, was achieved in 45.7% of patients. MARS-5 adherence assessment indicated a treatment adherence rate of 58.9%, with an average score of 23.8. Forgetting to take medication emerged as the primary factor associated with non-adherence (38%), while treatment discontinuation was the least reported reason (8%).

Conclusion: The adherence rate to treatment among elderly outpatients with type 2 diabetes was 58.9%, with forgetfulness as the most common factor contributing to non-adherence within this high-risk population.

Keywords: treatment adherence; non-adherence medication compliance; non-compliance; type 2 diabetes; outpatient care