Factors associated with non-adherence to insulin in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Western region of Algeria, Tlemcen: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: adherence to drugs is critical for achieving the best clinical results in the treatment of chronic diseases. Adherence to chronic drugs might be influenced by beliefs about medications and other variables. The goal of this study was to assess relevant determinants of medication adherence in Algerian population with insulin-dependent diabetes.

Methods: from July 1^st 2019 to February 29^th 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants who had been on insulin for at least 6 months were recruited from Tlemcen (Algeria) clinics in secondary care settings. Patients were invited to a face-to-face interview, in order to complete out the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS) tools to report their attitudes towards medication adherence and views about their insulin. The recruited patients' socio-demographic data was also collected. The related determinants of chronic drug non-adherence in the tested population were identified using a stepwise binary logistical regression model.

Results: in this study, 147 patients out of 400 were not adhering to their insulin therapy (36.5%). Insulin non-adherence was linked to single status (AOR=2.088, CI=1.180-3.694), non-insurance (AOR=2.949, CI=1.323-6.572), number of daily insulin injections (AOR=1.269, CI=1.033-1.559), unawareness of the insulin regimen (AOR=3.528, CI=1.453-8.565), hypertension (AOR= 3.497, CI=1.98-6.154) and the non-practice of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) (AOR=2.635, CI=1.472-4.718).

Conclusion: insulin adherence in Algerians is still well below international standards. This study improved the understanding of the factors affecting the non-adherence to insulin among diabetics and may be used as a baseline to target; throughout educational programs; the sub-populations identified as non-adherents.