Determinants Of Adherence To Anti-Glycaemic Drugs Among Patients With Diabetes Attending A Diabetic Clinic Of A Tertiary Hospital In South-South, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Adherence to anti-glycaemic drugs are important to achieve optimal glycaemic control and desirable patient health outcomes. Poor adherence could increase diabetic-related morbidities and mortality. This study aimed to assess adherence to anti-glycaemic drugs and its determinants among patients with diabetes who attended the diabetic clinic in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria from January 2018 to December 2021. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 167 study participants. Adherence to diabetic treatment was determined through self-reports of how patients had been taking their medications within the past one week before the interview. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25.0, p-value set at 0.05 and Confidence Interval was set at 95%. RESULTS: of the 167 patients studied, 46.1% were males while 53.9% were females. The prevalence of adherence to anti-glycaemic medication was 61.7%. Forgetfulness, side effects of drugs, feeling that the dose is high, multiple drugs, how/when to take the drug, type of medication and comorbidities were significantly associated with adherence. Binary logistic regression showed that forgetfulness, side effects and comorbidities were significant determinants of adherence. CONCLUSION: There is need for targeted interventions to promote adherence to anti-glycaemic drugs.