Adherence to anti diabetic medication among patients with diabetes in eastern Uganda; a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND: Lack of adherence to anti diabetic medication causes suboptimal blood sugar control among patients with diabetes and can lead to treatment failures, accelerated development of complications and increased mortality. This study assessed factors associated with adherence to anti diabetic medication in rural eastern Uganda. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among 521 patients with diabetes in Iganga and Bugiri hospitals between October 2012 and January 2013. Respondents were patients who were18 years and above and had been on diabetic treatment for not less than a month. Pretested questionnaires were used. Variables that were collected included socio-demographic characteristics, possible barriers to adherence, and self management efforts. Adherence was assessed using self reports. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done to determine adherence to anti diabetic medication and the associated factors. RESULTS: The level of adherence to anti diabetic medication was 83.3% and factors that were independently associated with adherence were; having been on anti diabetic drugs for at least three years (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.11 - 3.22), availability of diabetic drugs (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.54 - 3.70), and having ever had diabetic health education (OR = 4.24, 95% CI =1.15 - 15.60). CONCLUSION: About four in five patients adhere to anti-diabetic treatment. Strategies aimed at improving anti diabetic drug availability and providing health education could improve adherence.