Abstract

The study determined the prevalence of non-adherence to medication, self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), clinic visits and the associated factors among out-patient type 2 adult diabetics at a tertiary hospital in Enugu State Nigeria. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 200 patients was purposively selected. Researcher-developed questionnaire was tool for data collection. Analysis was done in proportions, percentages and logistic regression (alpha level was P=0.05). Respondents’ mean age was 60.1±10.6; 88% were married and females were 63.5%. Overall prevalence of non adherence to drugs was 24.5%; that varied from 26.9 to 11.8% depending on drug combinations. Majority (57.5%) of the respondents had no glucometer for SMBG at home; 86.1% on oral hypoglycaemic agents did not monitor their blood glucose level 2-3 times weekly; 78.9% on injection insulin combined with tablets did not monitor their blood glucose level at least once daily. Non-adherents to clinic visits were 49.0%. Age <50 years (P= 0.006) and being married (P= 0.025) were associated with drug non-adherence. Cost of transportation (P= 0.000), discouraging attitudes of health workers (P= 0.003) and late commencement of clinic activities (P= 0.006) were associated with clinic visit non-adherence. There was non adherence to diverse self care activities among diabetic patients in this study therefore factors that contribute to non adherence should be addressed by healthcare providers. 

Key words:  Non-adherence, self-care actions, diabetic management regimen, adults with type 2 diabetes.