The Relationships between Depression and Physical Activity with Medication Adherence among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Abstract

Studies among the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients have shown that optimal mental health status is associated with better medication adherence leading to a good blood glucose control. This research aims to determine the relationship between psychological well-being and physical activity levels with medication adherence among the T2DM patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 diabetic patients at an outpatient primary care clinic from a tertiary teaching hospital in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The questionnaires used in the study were Medication Compliance Questionnaire (MCQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Godine-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ). The research hypotheses were tested by the Pearson Chi-Square Test of Independence. Physical activity shows a non-significant relationship with medication adherence Concur with the previous study, depression is one of the crucial factors that correlate with poor medication adherence among diabetic patients in Malaysia. There is a statistically significant relationship between poor medication adherence with depression. Thus, appropriate psychological assessment must be offered to all T2DM patients as part of the treatment management in all Malaysian primary care services. This study proves that in managing a patient with T2DM, psychological well-being must be addressed at follow-ups by the attending doctor to ensure a favourable patient outcome and to reduce morbidity.