Factors Influencing Medication Adherence in Managing Diabetes Mellitus and Strategies Developed to Improve Compliance
Harivignesh Krishnan *
Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu – 608002, India.
Karthini Nageshwaran
Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu – 608002, India.
Kathiresan Krishnasamy
Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu – 608002, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objective: To analyze the various factors affecting medical adherence in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus and techniques developed to improve adherence of the diabetic patients.
Methods: We have referred research papers and review papers published in ScienceDirect and PubMed databases. Journals such as Journal of social health and Diabetes, Journal of Pharmacy and Bio allied sciences, Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, BMJ Journals and so on. We have analyzed the data from these valuable resources.
Results: Important factors that interfere with adherence were sorted out and strengthened it with evidence from clinical data (Case study and trials). As well as strategies evolved to achieve adherence from patient sides are also discussed with proof.
Conclusion: Medication adherence has an inevitable role in the management of long-term diseases. Improper adherence causes increased mortality and morbidity. It possesses major threat to the healthcare community. Medical adherence is neither in the hands of patients nor physician. It is only managed by whole healthcare system in an integrated way.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, adherence, HbA1C levels, glycemic control