Abstract
Background: Misinterpretation of medications instructions due to poor health literacy is common in diabetic patients, leading to suboptimal medication therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate patients’ interpretation of prescribed medication instructions at a selected Clinic in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: The study used a qualitative research approach. Non-Probability purposive sampling was used to select five participants for the study. Semi-structured interviews with a guide were used to collect data. Tesch’s steps for qualitative data analysis were adopted. Results: The study findings revealed inadequate explanation of instructions, poor health outcomes, lack of information related to poor health outcomes, lack of knowledge on using the medication correctly, and medication noncompliance. The findings imply that there is poor education regarding medication use by diabetic patients. Conclusion: The study indicated that diabetic patients have poor medication instructions comprehension such as an inadequate explanation of the medication instructions. Therefore, healthcare professionals must provide in-depth explanation of medication instructions to enhance comprehension.
Highlights
Misinterpretation of medications instructions due to poor health literacy is common in diabetic patients, leading to suboptimal medication therapy
Lack of knowledge related to 2.1 Lack of information related to diabetes mellitus as a disease poor health outcomes
The findings revealed that patients with diabetes mellitus do not understand medication instructions
Summary
Misinterpretation of medications instructions due to poor health literacy is common in diabetic patients, leading to suboptimal medication therapy. Gellad, Moaddeb, Crowley, Shrank, Granger, Granger, Trygstad, Liu, and Bosworth [1] aver that there are many health service interventions designed to provide resolutions to augment medication adherence. 50% of adults have been reported to have misunderstood medication instructions which could be the cause of not using medication as prescribed [2]. Jibril, and Dauda [3] recommend that patients should be encouraged to comply with their prescribed medications through educational and training programs. The Professional Nurses who prescribe the medication in PHC could be the targets for medication adherence interventions [4]. The aim of this study was to investigate patients’ interpretation of prescribed medication instructions at a selected Clinic in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
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