Study of oral anti-diabetic drug use errors and effecting factors

This study was carried out as a descriptive study in order to examine drug use errors in patients with type 2 diabetes using oral anti-diabetic drugs and effecting factors. Study sample was composed of 190 patients using anti-diabetic drugs, matching study inclusion criteria and not using insulin. The study data were collected in a family health centre between June and August of 2010. Questionnaire was used as data collection tools. Data were collected by means of face-to-face interview. Study of oral anti-diabetic drug use errors and of effecting factors was assessed by chi- square and logistic regression analysis.It was found that oral anti-diabetic drug use error rate was 64.7% in patients participating into the study. As a consequent of the study, the most common drug use error was failure in taking drugs on time. Taking drugs in wrong dose, in wrong way and stopping drug use on one?s own were found to be other drug use errors. Oral anti-diabetic drug use error was found significantly high (p<0,05) in the old aged people, people whose marital status was single, people whose education level was low, those living alone, those who could not check their blood sugar by themselves, people who did not read prospectus of drug they use, those who were not trained in drug use, and those whose the number of drugs taken daily was much. Patients? views regarding mistakes made in oral anti-diabetic drug use are as the following: high number of drugs, visional problems, illiteracy, starting to eat immediately after feeling hungry, forgetting, thinking that dose is high or low, not taking the drug due to its adverse effects or when it is over or when patient feels well, or chewing the drug due to swallowing difficulties. The results of this study indicate that rate of drug use error in individuals with type 2 diabetes using oral anti-diabetic drug is high. Study of anti-diabetic drug use errors and of effecting factors are considered to be helpful in raising awareness of medical staff and approaching to such patient group.Key Words: Oral Anti-diabetic Drugs, Drug Use Errors, Effecting Factors