Medication Adherence and The Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Objective and Aim Aims: Diabetes mellitus negatively affects the quality of life, work life, interpersonal relationships, social activities and health of patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between treatment compliance and diabetes-related quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at Çukurova University Training Family Health Center between 01 January 2024 and 29 February 2024. Patients who had given informed consent completed the Sociodemographic Data Collection Questionnaire, the Diabetes Specific Quality of Life Scale (DQOL), and the Modified Morisky Scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) 23.0 package program. Results The participants’ mean DQOL score was 3.92±0.7 showing a moderate-good quality of life. The participants' mean medication adherence motivation level score was 1.53±0.7 and the mean medication adherence knowledge level score was 1.88±0.7 showing a high level of medication adherence. A weak positive (linear) correlation was found between the medication adherence motivation level scores and DQOL anxiety/worry about diabetes scores (r= 0.168) (p=0.031). A weak positive (linear) correlation was found between low treatment adherence and the anxiety/worry about diabetes (r= 0.180) (p=0.021). It was found that the DQOL scale scores of patients with normal body weight were significantly higher than those of the obese patients (p=0.042). DQOL scale scores were significantly lower in patients with diabetes-related complications compared to those without diabetes-related complications (p=0,002). Conclusion As the motivation level for medication adherence increased, anxiety about diabetes decreased. Participant’s medication adherence, motivation and knowledge levels were high. Follow-ups of diabetic patients in primary care will help to improve their medication adherence and the quality of life. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Quality of life, Medication adherence, Family medicine