MEDICATION ADHERENCE ‎IN TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS: A STUDY IN SAUDI ARABIA‎

Objective: To assess the extent of antidiabetic drug adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and different factors affecting adherence in outpatient clinics in Alkharj city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: Type 2 diabetic patients attending two outpatient clinics in Alkharj city, KSA, were randomly selected, and interviewed for information regarding their antidiabetic drug adherence. A six-item questionnaire was used to measure the level of adherence in study participants. Participants scoring six points are categorized as (high adherent), while scores of 4 to 5 puts the participants in the (medium adherence) category, and participants with scores less than 4 are of (Low adherence). Patient's records were also, reviewed, for relevant lab and clinical data. Results: 68 type 2 diabetic patients participated in this study from April 2014 to September 2014. Majority of participants (73.5%) were of 40 to 60 years old. Hypertension and/or lipid disorders were encountered in majority of patients in this study. 26.5% of patients in this study were categorized as (high adherent), 55.9% as (medium adherent), and 17.6% as (low adherent). 72% of patients had an HbA1c level of ≥7% suggesting poor control of their disease. Patients with a longer history of diabetes, and patients with HbA1c level less than 7%  found to achieve better adherence levels (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: Subjective information from patients suggested accepted level of adherence. Nevertheless, objective measurements of HbA1c, suggest poor glycemic control that possibly reflect poor adherence to antidiabetic medications