Exploring treatment awareness and adherence among type 2 diabetes patients in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Aim: In this study, patients with type 2 diabetes in Lahore, Pakistan had their medication knowledge and adherence assessed. Knowledge of diabetes and demographic information were also assessed.

Methods: A face-to-face interview provided a structured questionnaire with four sections as part of a cross-sectional study.

Results: Four hundred and two (402) patients in total, participated in the survey/questionnaire. Most participants (259, 64.4%) were between 40–60 years old. Results indicated that study participants were taking an average of 1.91 ± 1.00 drugs overall, and 1.72 ± 0.58 medications specifically for diabetes. Most individuals (171, 42.5%) were on oral antidiabetic drugs only. A strong correlation was found between diabetes awareness, education level, and the total number of drugs taken. On the other hand, the mean score (2.20 ± 1.17) for pharmaceutical knowledge on the questionnaire was less than the desired level of knowledge. Gender, family history, and the total number of medications used have all been strongly correlated with medication knowledge. Current findings didn’t show any connection between medication knowledge, adherence, and diabetes understanding.

Conclusions: Regarding Lahore, Pakistan’s type 2 diabetes patients, this study sheds light on their understanding of the condition and the drugs they take. While the factors show no significant differences, the rate of non-adherence remains concerning. It will take further research to fully comprehend the reasons behind these patients’ non-adherence.