Compliance of Diabetic Patients: Pros and Cons

Abstract

Diabetes is a major public health problem allover the world. This study was conducted to demonstrate the pattern of compliance among diabetic patients as regard appointment, diet and drugs, its determinants and reasons beyond noncompliance. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient Clinic of Diabetes, Kasr AlAini. The compliance pattern was assessed using special scoring system. The different determinants of the compliance as regard socio demographic, disease characteristics, and care characteristics were also assessed. The quality of care was measured based on the weighted care score. Fasting blood sugar, was done to all patients. Patients were interrogated for reasons beyond non compliance through open ended questions. Improper compliance to diet was prevalent ([34.7 %]) of study sample the significant determinants of improper compliance to diet were younger age, type 1 diabetes, long duration of illness, absence of complication, positive family history, receiving 3 or more drugs per day, and improper compliance to drugs. Financial constraints and psychological constraints were beyond improper diet and drugs compliance. The study included that compliance to appointment and drugs was better than compliance to diet. Cost and psychological constraints were among the main reasons of improper compliance.

Keywords

• compliance
• diabetic patients