UTILIZATION PATTERN AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE OF ORAL ANTI-DIABETIC MEDICATIONS AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS IN RURAL AREAS OF KARNATAKA, SOUTH INDIA.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the utilization pattern and medication Adherence of oral anti-diabetic medications among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural areas of Bangalore East. Methodology: A prospective observational house-hold study was carried out on type 2 diabetic patients in rural areas of Bangalore east for a period of six months. Out of 162 patients screened 148 patients were enrolled in the study and a specially prepared case report form and structured questionnaire was used to collect the data on medications, lifestyle, and diet and medication adherence respectively. Results: A total of 148 patients were included in the study of which 56.75% are males and 43.24% were females. 52.7% of the enrolled patients were in 41 to 60 years of age. Hypertension was the most common co morbid condition (49%) followed by hyperlipidemia and hypertension (12%). Metformin was commonly prescribed drug among diabetic patients. In combination therapy, glimepiride and metformin combination (51.80%) were mostly consumed followed by glipizide and metformin (14.4%) and sitagliptin and metformin combination (6.02%). Adherence to the medications were also checked using Morisky medication adherence scale before and after counseling of which 63.51% diabetic patients were in high adherence, 25% were in medium adherence and 11.48% were in low adherence after two counseling sessions in 60 days. Conclusion: Metformin was the most commonly utilized drug as alone and Metformin and glimepiride combination was the most commonly utilized combination. Patient education and counseling resulted in improvement in medication adherence.

Keywords: Utilization pattern, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, Medication adherence.