Assessment of diabetic patients’ adherence to insulin injections on basal-bolus regimen in diabetic care center in Saudi Arabia 2018: Cross sectional survey

BACKGROUND: Since insulin became a focal point of diabetes management, several studies have been carried out to monitor and improve patient outcomes. Adherence insulin therapy is an important part of diabetes management. AIM: This study reviews the responses of patients being managed in a diabetic care setting in monitoring their adherence to basal bolus insulin therapy. METHOD: A pre-validated questionnaire containing 18 questions was administered to patients in the diabetic care unit of the Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: The levels of adherence with basal bolus insulin therapy was 61.9%. There is no considerable difference in adherence levels of male and female respondents with 31.62% and 31.58% respectively. The younger age groups (14-29) had the highest adherence levels at 65.75%. Higher levels of patient literacy and the location also have a positive relationship with adherence. CONCLUSION: To improve adherence levels, dosing should be made with consideration for patient convenience, and patients should be encouraged to build positive psychological relationships. Further studies should look to studying outcomes of therapy, and markers should be developed to monitor patient progress on therapy regimen regularly. The aspect of short clinic visits is another major consideration that needs to be look into properly to understand and monitor patients’ proper adherence toward the basal bolus insulin.