Factors of Non-adherence to Antidiabetic Drugs in Type 2 Diabetics, Antananarivo Madagascar

Abstract

<i>Introduction</i>: The non-adherence to therapy of diabetics is grafted with heavy morbidity and mortality. Our study aims to determine the factors of non-adherence with antidiabetic drugs in type 2 diabetics. <i>Methods</i>: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, carried out in the Endocrinology Unit of the Joseph Raseta University Hospital Center. Befelatanana, Antananarivo, over a period of 7 months. Adherence to treatment was assessed by the Morisky scale. <i>Results</i>: We retained 104 patients with an average age of 58.36 years, consisting of 52.88% of women. Adherence was high, medium, and low in 6.73%, 31.73% and 61.54% of cases, respectively. From their attending physician, explanations of the diabetic disease and their treatment were received by 90.38% and 66.35% of patients, respectively. However, these patients were aware of their disease and treatment in 18.27% and 41.35% of cases, respectively. The most observed non-adherence factors were the absence of an appointment given by the physician (30.77%), the feeling of well-being (24.04%), the lack of money (21.15%), forgetting (20.19%) and advice from a traditional practitioner (16.35%). Only the doctor's explanation for diabetes treatment was significantly associated with medication nonadherence (p=0.0310). <i>Conclusion</i>: Continuing medical education for physician is essential so that they can strengthen therapeutic education and follow-up for their diabetics.