Medication Adherence and Factors Associated with Optimal Adherence Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Aged 40 and Older in Kericho County, Kenya DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajhs.v38i3.8

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes rises in Kenya, yet medication adherence factors remain understudied, particularly in Kericho County. This gap hinders the development of evidence-based interventions for this escalating global public health crisis. This study assessed medication adherence and its associated factors among type 2 diabetic patients aged 40 and older in Kericho County, Kenya.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 207 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were recruited using systematic random sampling. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-4 was used to evaluate medication adherence, and a structured questionnaire was used for socio-demographic and health-related information. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Medication adherence was categorised as high and moderate-low adherence. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess factors associated with optimal adherence. Significance level was set at < 0.05.

Results: The results revealed that only 10.1% of patients optimally adhered to diabetic medication. Male patients (AOR: 0.471, 95% CI: 0.147-0.869, p=0.031), patients with complications (AOR: 0.624, 95% CI: 0.256-0.835, p=0.035), and alcohol consumption (AOR: 0.418, 95% CI: 0.191-0.903, p=0.027) had lower odds of adhering to medication. Moreover, higher education attainment (AOR: 2.873, 95% CI: 1.243-12.187, p=0.037), patients with family history of diabetes (AOR: 2.513, 95% CI: 1.087-4.532, p=0.019) and those who received diabetes education (AOR: 2.394, 95% CI: 1.132-4.907, p=0.016) had higher likelihood of being adherent to medication.

Conclusion: The study found low levels of optimal diabetic medication adherence. The integration of patient-centred, targeted diabetes education and patient support into diabetes programs could enhance optimal medication adherence.