Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Regarding Adherence to Anti Diabetic Medication among Type 2 Diabetes Patients at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital

 Tumusiime Isaac

Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of type 2 diabetes patients at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda, regarding adherence to anti-diabetic medication. The majority of participants (73.3%) were between the ages of 51 and 65. 80% of the participants in the study were women, consistent with previous studies. Religion can influence adherence to treatment, as it can discourage harmful practices like drinking or smoking. Catholics and Protestants made up the majority of the participants (73%). The study found that about 23.3% of participants reported not exercising at all, while half claimed to exercise once or twice a week. The study found that patients’ knowledge score on diabetes medication usage is generally good, but the adherence practice of patients in the current study was suboptimal. Factors influencing adherence to diabetes treatment include affordability, clinic attendance, education level, waiting time, and accessibility. A majority of patients (86.7%) reported that inaccessibility to the hospital and long waiting times at the hospital negatively affect their compliance. Health service factors such as regular attendance at diabetes clinics, health education sessions, and improved knowledge about their condition can help patients adhere to treatment recommendations. Work, home, and hospital environmental settings also affect drug compliance. Occupation may influence adherence to treatment, as having time to see a physician on appointed dates for drug refills and some occupations predispose individuals to behaviors that oppose treatment adherence. Recommendations include government creating income-generating activities for individuals with chronic illnesses like diabetes mellitus, conducting adherence campaigns through local media, improving clinic setups, and conducting more research on factors influencing adherence to diabetes treatment recommendations in other parts of Uganda.

Key words: Type 2 Diabetes, Adherence, Medication, Knowledge, Accessibility, Adherence Factors

CITE AS: Tumusiime Isaac (2024). Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Regarding Adherence to Anti Diabetic Medication among Type 2 Diabetes Patients at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES 3(1):68-81.