Determinants of adherence to diabetes treatment1. (4th March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Larkin, Amy T.; Hoffman, Christina; Stevens, Adrienne; Douglas, Andrew; Bloomgarden, Zachary
• Is Part Of: Journal of diabetes. Volume 7:Number 6(2015)
• Page Start: 864
• Page End: 871
• Publication Date: 2015-03-04
• Subjects: Diabetes -- Periodicals; 618.3646005
• DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.12264
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-0393

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jdb12264-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Understanding and improving medication adherence is crucial in diabetes management. Adherence to a diabetes regimen can improve glucose control and limit the development of complications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the extent to which a variety of factors influence diabetes medication adherence.</p> </sec> <sec id="jdb12264-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A medication adherence survey was made available on WebMD, a medical information website for patients and/or consumers. Respondents were residents of the US, ≥18 years old, and diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus (self‐reported).</p> </sec> <sec id="jdb12264-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Behavioral adherence (self‐reported doses missed per week) correlated with perceived adherence (patients' self‐report of their overall impression of medication adherence, ranked 0–5; <italic>P</italic> < 0.001). Adherent patients (very few [0%–10%] issues with adherence) were more likely to report having received information from their physician. Mostly adherent patients (few [11%–26%] issues with adherence) were less likely to obtain information from their physician, but reported more medication self‐titration. Somewhat non‐adherent patients (some [27%–46%] adherence issues) reported more "self‐consciousness factors" and hypoglycemia. Non‐adherent patients (many [47%–88%] adherence issues) were more likely to report worries about medication side effects.</p> </sec> <sec id="jdb12264-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Receiving information from a healthcare provider is associated with greater diabetes medication adherence, suggesting the importance of clinicians making time to provide patient education.</p> </sec> </abstract>