Dynamics of Anti-Diabetic Medication Adherence and the Influence of Side Effects: A Study on Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Bandung Regency and Bandung City

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition that requires optimal adherence to pharmacological treatment to prevent disease progression and complications. This study aims to analyze the level of adherence to anti-diabetic medication among T2DM patients and to explore the association between the experience of medication side effects and adherence levels. A descriptive-analytic cross-sectional design was employed, involving 97 T2DM patients in Bandung Regency and Bandung City, Indonesia. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square test. The results revealed that 53.6% of respondents exhibited low medication adherence. The majority reported having diabetes-related complications (88.7%) and experiencing medication side effects (57.7%). A significant positive association was found between medication side effects and adherence level (p = 0.039), indicating that patients who experienced side effects tended to be more adherent. Demographic factors such as place of residence, gender, and age showed no significant association with adherence. The findings suggest that side effects may hinder adherence; however, awareness of the body’s response to medication, including side effects, may also serve as a motivator for adherence.