KNOWLEDGE OF DISEASE AND ADHERENCE TO DRUG THERAPY IN PERSONS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the level of knowledge of disease and adherence to drug therapy among patients with Type 2 diabetes and Hypertension. One hundred and seventy-seven (177) patients attending cardiology and endocrinology clinics at University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, in Nigeria participated in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics, patients#x2019; knowledge of diabetes and hypertension and adherence to drug therapy were determined with the use of pre-tested questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were taken with fasting blood glucose. Exactly 45.2% of the study population were males and 54.8% were females. Patients who had Type 2 diabetes alone were 23.0% and 20.3% had hypertension alone while 55.9% had type 2 diabetes with hypertension combined. The mean age was 63.2 #xB1; 10.7 years. Exactly 64.0% of the study population had good knowledge of diabetes and hypertension while 58.8% were adherent to drug therapy by self-reported methods. Blood pressure control was poor among patients who had hypertension as only 42.9% of hypertensives had a systolic blood pressure of less than 140mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of less than 90mmHg. In patients with Type 2 diabetes combined with hypertension, blood pressure control was poor as only 41.9% had a systolic blood pressure of lt; 140mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure of lt; 90mmHg. Exactly 36.0% of patients with Type 2 diabetes alone and 40% of patients with type 2 diabetes with hypertension combined had good glycemic control. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and Pearson correlation were used in evaluating the data obtained. Knowledge of diabetes and hypertension among these patients was above average however adherence to drug therapy was poor. This calls for increase in awareness the importance of adherence to drug therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes complicated with hypertension which will involve a concerted effort by all members of the healthcare team.