DIABETIC PATIENTS’ COMPLIANCE WITH TREATMENT DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERIOD

Abstract

Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, complex disease with many components that must be managed. Treatment success depends on excellent treatment compliance. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the treatment adherence of diabetic patients during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) pandemic and the factors affecting this condition. Material and Methods: The study was carried out on 474 diabetic patients with a questionnaire consisting of questions based on The Medication Compliance Questionnaire (MCQ) and the World Health Organization (WHO) 2003 compliance guideline. Results: The rate of non-compliance with the treatment based on the MCQ scale was 82.3%. Non-compliance with treatment was significantly associated with oral antidiabetic (OAD) drug use, smoking status, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7%, and patient comments of “I don’t have regular doctor follow-up,” “I can’t communicate well with my doctor,” “My blood glucose is not at the target value,” and “My medications are not comfortable enough for use”(p=0.011; 0.010; 0.014; 0.011; 0.002; 0.019; 0.001). Patients under insulin treatment or with an HbA1c value of ≥7% were found to be more compliant with the treatment. Conclusion: Unlike the classical results, the incompatibility of diabetic patients with HbA1c <7% and under OADs with the treatment was emphasized. Patients using insulin and with advanced duration of diabetes were more compliant with the treatment in the stressful period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lack of follow-up by the doctor and low patient effort to communicate with the doctor have been decisive factors in the non-compliance.