Compliance with the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus and the Factors Associated

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is growing rapidly worldwide and is reaching epidemic proportions. Epidemiological data indicate that all nations, rich and poor, are suffering from the impact of the diabetes epidemic. Effective care of diabetes with pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods is required, but it is impossible to control diabetes and its complications, as well as mortality, without strong compliance or adherence to therapy. Aims & Objectives to study the compliance rate of the patients with type 1 & 2 diabetes to the prescribed medications and to find out its association with different socio-demographic factors and other patient characteristics affecting compliance. Methodology: A cross sectional observational study was done using a pre-designed, semi-structured, and pre-tested questionnaire. Patients' clinical and socio-demographic data, were obtained. The Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8) was used to assess adherence to prescribed medications. Results: Overall compliance was very low (6%) and it was associated with education, Rural or urban dwellings, female gender and lower socio economic class. High compliance was associated with better glycaemic control.&nbsp