Medication adherence and self-care behaviours among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ghana

Abstract

Background Diabetes often coexists with other medical conditions and is a contributing cause of death in 88% of people who have it. The study aimed at evaluating medication adherence, self-care behaviours and diabetes knowledge among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ghana. Methods A total of 330 participants were recruited into the study from three public hospitals in the Tamale metropolis. A validated medication adherence questionnaire and the Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities tool were used to assess medication adherence and self-care activities respectively. Logistic and linear regressions were used to determine factors positively associated with non-adherence to medication and self-care behaviours respectively. Results Of the 330 participants whose data were analysed, the mean (SD) age was 57.5 (11.8) years. The majority (84.5%) were adherent to anti-diabetes medication. Participant’s age, educational level, and practice of self-care behaviours influenced adherence to anti-diabetes medication. Participants aged 70 years and above were 79% less likely to be non-adherent to medication as compared to those below 50 years [OR = 0.21 (95%CI: 0.06–0.74), p = 0.016]. Participants with senior high school education were 3.7 times more likely to be nonadherent to medication than those with tertiary education [OR = 3.68 (95%CI: 1.01–13.44), p = 0.049]. Participants with tertiary education had an increase in the level of practice of selfmanagement by 1.14 (p = 0.041). A unit increase in knowledge score also increased the level of practice of self-management by 3.02 (p<0.001).