Factors associated with low medication adherence in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract Background Adherence to prescribed medication is essential for glycemic control and to delay the onset of complications. However, information on medication adherence among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus is sparse in Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine medication adherence and factors associated with low adherence in patients with Type 2 diabetes in Bangladesh. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 500 consecutive patients with Type 2 diabetes attending a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh between September 2013 and July 2014. Data were collected on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, medication use and adherence, and blood tests for glycated hemoglobin. Medication adherence was assessed using the 8‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (score range 0–8), and a score < 6 was defined as low adherence. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to investigate factors associated with low medication adherence. Results The mean age ± standard deviation of the participants was 50.2 ± 10.2 years (56.2% females). Overall, 42.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 38.5–47.2) of participants reported low medication adherence with no differences by sex. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that increased age was negatively associated with low adherence (odds ratio: 0.97 [95% CI 0.95–0.99]). Patients who reported no family history of diabetes had 55% higher odds of having low adherence (1.55 [1.05–2.30]), compared to their counterparts with a family history of diabetes. Conclusion Almost half of the patients with Type 2 diabetes attending a tertiary hospital in Dhaka had suboptimal medication adherence. Innovative approaches targeting young patients and those with no family history of diabetes could improve medication adherence.