| dc.description.abstract | Background: Patients’ perspective of diabetes and adherence to its prescribed medications is a significant predic-
tor of glycemic control and overall management of the disease. However, there is a paucity of such information in
Bangladesh. This study aimed to explore patients’ perspective of diabetes, their experience of taking oral hypogly-
cemic medications and explore factors that contribute to medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes in
Bangladesh.
Methods: We conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews with 12 type 2 diabetes patients attending a tertiary hos-
pital in Dhaka city between February and March, 2014. Participants were purposively sampled representing different
age groups, education levels, years since diagnosis with diabetes, and glycemic status, to achieve maximum variation
sampling. All interviews were conducted using a topic guide and were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, checked
for errors, coded and analyzed by means of a qualitative content analysis framework.
Results: The data analysis generated rich information on the participants’ knowledge and perception on diabetes, its
causes, self-management, medication use, adverse effects of medication use, medication adherence, and impact of
diabetes, Although most of the participants demonstrated substantive knowledge on diabetes and its consequences,
they also reported numerous misconceptions about the disease. Knowledge on diabetes medication, their appropri-
ate use and side effects was rather poor. Respondents also reported non-compliance to dietary and physical activity
advice by their physicians and concerns on diabetes diabetes-induced psychological stress. High cost of medications,
concerns over medication side effects and forgetfulness was noted as factors for non-adherence to medication.
Conclusion: Participants’ knowledge and perception on diabetes are key factors determining their adherence to
medications and, thereby, diabetes management. Healthcare providers should explore to better understand patients’
perspective on diabetes, medication beliefs, identify psychological stress and provide more effective health education
interventions to enhance medication adherence. | en_US |
