Beliefs About Medicine and Glycemic Control Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in West Bank, Palestine.

INTRODUCTION

To examine the mean differences between patient beliefs about medicine with reference to adherence and glycemic control.

METHODS

This study utilized a cross-sectional questionnaire-based approach. Adherence to medication was measured with the Morisky Green Levine Medication Adherence Scale (MGLS); glycemic control as the last HbA1c test value; and beliefs about medicine with the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ).

RESULTS

According to MGLS scale, 220 (57.9%) of the diabetic patients were classified as high adherent to their medications and 160 (42.1%) were classified as low adherent. Patients had strong believes in their medication, the mean necessity score was significantly outweighed the mean concerns score (17.7 vs 14.4;  < .001). Low adherent patients had significantly more concerns about long term effect of medications (14.4 vs 13.8;  < .008). No significant mean differences were found between glycemic controlled and uncontrolled group regarding necessity or concern domains.

CONCLUSION

Assessing beliefs about medicine is crucial for recognizing patients at risk of low adherence, which offers a way to help patients with diabetes to achieve a better glycemic control.