Medication Adherence Among Diabetic Patients in Developing Countries: Review of Studies

Abstract

Omer Q. B. Al-lela, Reveng Abdullah Abdulkareem, Lawan AL-Mufti, Nojdar Kamal, Siber Qasim, Rahma Sagvan, Zaynab Hinir, Hawjeen khidr

This paper reviewed studies on the adherence to medication among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in developing countries. A comprehensive literature search yielded 62 relevant studies. These focused on the extent and predictors of non-adherence to medication across different conditions and factors. Estimated rates of non-adherence to medication ranged from 4% to 88%. This review confirmed the non-adherence to be a problem among patients with chronic diseases and examined our understanding of the reasons and variables affecting patients' adherence to their medication in developing countries. However, the studies employed a wide range of methods, some with limitations. Further work to determine the prevalence and causes of patients' non-adherenceto medication in developing countries is needed in order to recommend the best interventions to improve adherence.