Predictors of anti-glycaemic medication-taking among adults with diabetes mellitus seeking care in a tertiary hospital in Cape Coast, Ghana.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to assess the level of anti-glycaemic medication-taking and its predictors among adults living with diabetes receiving treatment at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH).

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study carried out among adults living with diabetes and receiving care at CCTH. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and anti-glycaemic medication-taking were gathered using a structured questionnaire. A scale consisting of 4 domains (filling prescribed medication; taking medications appropriately according to the instructions of healthcare professionals; practising behavioural modifications, and showing up for follow-up appointments) and eight items was used to measure the level of anti-glycaemic medication-taking. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test (and Fisher's exact test where appropriate), bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used in analysing the data.

SETTING

The study was carried out in the diabetes clinic in Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

The total enumerative sampling technique was used to select 250 adults living with diabetes and receiving care at CCTH.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anti-glycaemic medication-taking.

RESULTS

Out of 250 participants studied, 42% had high anti-glycaemic medication-taking. Predictors of anti-glycaemic medication-taking included; forgetfulness (aOR=0.02, 95% CI: 0.00-0.64, p<0.001), patient's involvement in treatment plan (aOR=0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.64, p=0.014) and having good knowledge about one's medication (aOR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.10-4.98, p=0.028).

CONCLUSION

Less than half of the sample population (42%) had high anti-glycaemic medication-taking, with forgetfulness, involvement in the treatment plan and good knowledge about anti-glycaemic medications, predicting medication-taking.

FUNDING

None declared.