Adherence to medications among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in three districts of al Dakhliyah Governorate, Oman : a cross-sectional pilot study

الملخص EN

Objectives : This pilot study aimed to assess the medication adherence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in three wilayats (districts) of the Al Dakhliyah governorate, Oman, and to identify the probable reasons for medication non-adherence.

Methods : A cross-sectional questionnaire-based pilot survey was conducted among T2DM Omani patients between February and June 2012 to assess their medication adherence and the relationship between their socio-demographic characteristics and adherence levels.

Results : A total of 158 patients participated in the survey.

The majority of the participants were unemployed or were housewives (66.5 %).

Forgetfulness was the most frequent reason for medication non-adherence (36.4 %).

Participants demonstrated an excellent level of adherence to their medicines (median total score = 3).

No significant difference in median total adherence scores was observed based on the evaluated parameters.

Conclusion : The medication adherence of T2DM patients in the area under study was good.

A larger study in a wider population is warranted to obtain a more representative picture of this important factor which contributes to public health.