Association between medication adherence and quality of life of patients with diabetes admitting primary care

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the association between medication adherence and the quality of life of patients with diabetes admitting primary care. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Between July and October 2022, type 2 diabetes patients aged 18-65 years were included. A questionnaire was administered to the participants. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, the Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) scale, and the Modified Morisky Scale (MMS). Results: A total of 209 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 53.5±9.2 years, and 51.7% were women. The mean DQOL score of the participants was 3.8±0.7. The mean MMS was 4.09±2.09. Of the participants, those who are married, those with a medium-high income, those with a diagnosis of diabetes <5 years, those without diabetes complications, those who only use OAD as a diabetes treatment, those who regularly use diabetes medications, those who diet and exercise for diabetes, and those who regularly go to diabetes check-ups, the quality of life was found to be higher (p<0.05). The quality of life was higher in those with MMS medication adherence motivation and knowledge levels (p<0.01). Conclusions: Participants' drug compliance motivation and knowledge levels were associated with increased quality of life. Admission to primary care for diabetes check-ups was associated with a higher quality of life. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, quality of life, medication adherence, primary care