Predictors of anti-glycaemic medication-taking among adults with diabetes mellitus seeking care in a tertiary hospital in Cape Coast, Ghana.

Objectives: This study sought to assess the level of anti-glycaemic medication-taking and its predictors among adults living with diabetes receiving treatment at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH).

Design: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among adults living with diabetes and receiving care at CCTH. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and anti-glycaemic medication-taking were gathered using a structured questionnaire. A scale consisting of 4 domains (filling prescribed medication; taking medications appropriately according to the instructions of healthcare professionals; practising behavioural modifications, and showing up for follow-up appointments) and eight items was used to measure the level of anti-glycaemic medication-taking. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test (and Fisher's exact test where appropriate), bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used in analysing the data.

Setting: The study was carried out in the diabetes clinic in Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.

Participants: The total enumerative sampling technique was used to select 250 adults living with diabetes and receiving care at CCTH.

Main outcome measures: Anti-glycaemic medication-taking.

Results: Out of 250 participants studied, 42% had high anti-glycaemic medication-taking. Predictors of anti-glycaemic medication-taking included; forgetfulness (aOR=0.02, 95% CI: 0.00-0.64, p<0.001), patient's involvement in treatment plan (aOR=0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.64, p=0.014) and having good knowledge about one's medication (aOR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.10-4.98, p=0.028).

Conclusion: Less than half of the sample population (42%) had high anti-glycaemic medication-taking, with forgetfulness, involvement in the treatment plan and good knowledge about anti-glycaemic medications, predicting medication-taking.

Funding: None declared.