Medication compliance among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending a rural health training centre in Tamil Nadu.

Abstract

Non-compliance with prescribed medications in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a major challenge, especially in rural areas, leading to poor glycaemic control and increased complications. To assess the prevalence of medication non-compliance and identify its associated factors among T2DM patients attending a Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC) in Tamil Nadu. A cross-sectional, facility-based study conducted over 3 months from November to December 2023, at the RHTC attached to a tertiary care medical college in Tamil Nadu. Out of the total 247 patients with DM in the RHTC diabetes registry, 180 Type 2 diabetes patients aged >30 years and on treatment for ≥6 months were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Medication compliance was categorised as "good" and "poor" based on three standard questions. Glycaemic control was based on recent fasting and postprandial glucose levels. Data were analysed using STATA v12. Multivariate logistic regression for poor medication compliance was conducted, and <i>P</i> < 0.05 was considered significant. Among 180 participants, 23.9% (95% CI: 17.8-30.9) had poor medication compliance. Lack of physical activity (aPR 11.6, 95% CI: 1.81-74.29), distance >5 km from health centre (aPR 2.02, 1.08-3.77), and absence of comorbidities (aPR 0.33, 0.12-0.91) were significantly associated with poor compliance. Medication non-compliance remains a considerable issue in rural diabetic populations. Targeted interventions such as health education and regular counselling are essential to improve adherence and long-term outcomes.