Adherence to Statin Among Diabetic Patients in Diabetic Centers in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Background Dyslipidemia affects approximately one-third of Saudi Arabia’s adult population. Dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking, and a familial predisposition to cardiovascular disease (CVD) are significant risk factors for CVD. It can be prevented effectively through lifestyle changes and lifelong statin therapy; however, poor adherence limits its effectiveness. This study is designed to assess the level of adherence to statin prescription in patients with DM in diabetic centers in the Qassim region and to assess the factors associated with neglecting to take medication. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 226 diabetic patients who were prescribed statins. Medication adherence was assessed using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Demographic and clinical data were collected, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with medication adherence. Results Of the 226 patients, 29.7% had high adherence, 32.7% had medium adherence, and 37.6% had low adherence to statin medication. Patients diagnosed with diabetes for less than five years had the highest proportion of low adherence (41.2%). No significant associations were found between medication adherence and gender, nationality, or educational level. Conclusion The study found that medication adherence to statins in diabetic patients in the Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia is suboptimal, with a significant proportion of patients having low adherence. Patients diagnosed with diabetes for less than five years had the highest proportion of low adherence, suggesting that patients with a shorter disease duration may require additional support or interventions to improve their medication adherence. Healthcare providers should emphasize the importance of medication adherence and work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that include medication and lifestyle modifications to optimize lipid control and improve overall health outcomes in diabetic patients.