Prevalence of medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at outpatient clinics, Thong Nhat hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

Background: Medication adherence plays important role in diabetes mellitus treatment. Objective: To investigate using of antihyperglycemic drugs, prevalence of medication adherence and risk factors associated with medication adherence. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 patients with type 2 diabetes at Thong Nhat hospital from 01/2021 to 06/2021. Patients were interviewed with a prepared questionnaire. Medication adherence was defined based on scores of Morisky questions: good adherence: MMAS = 8, moderate adherence: 6 ≤ MMAS < 8 and poor adherence: MMAS < 6. Results: 47,7% patients were administrated with dual therapy; metformin and gliclazid were most commonly used (93,9% and 40,3%, respectively). The prevalence of medication adherence was 73,7%; proportion of good and moderate adherence were 19,7% and 54,0%, respectively. The odds of medication adherence in smoking group was 89% lower than non-smoking group (OR = 0,11; 95% CI: 0,03 – 0,38; p < 0,001); this figure in insulin group was 61% lower than group not using insulin (OR = 0,39; 95% CI: 0,2 – 0,79; p = 0,008) and the odds of adherence in male patients was 2,3 times higher than female patients (OR = 2,3; 95% CI: 1,19 – 4,44, p= 0,014). Conclusions: Medication adherence prevalence of type 2 diabetes patients at Thong Nhat Hospital is moderate. Giving up smoking, consulting using drugs and importance of medication adherence may improve medication adherence for diabetes patients.