DETERMINANTS AND PREDICTORS OF NON ADHERENCE WITH MEDICAL TREATMENT IN GERIATRIC DIABETIC POPULATION IN A RURAL TERTIARY HEALTH CENTRE

*Dr. Divya Khurana and Dr. Shilpa Deoke

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes, is highly prevalent in India. India also has increasing geriatric diabetic population in whom it is important to have optimal glycaemic control to prevent long term complications. Present study was carried out to determine the compliance rates with anti-diabetic medication in geriatric diabetic population and factors affecting their compliance. Method: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out over 6 months on 100 geriatric diabetic patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Results: Adherence among elderly diabetics was 68%.Socio economic status of patient, type of treatment taken and history of addictions were found statistically significant parameters affecting compliance (p value=0.008, 0.043 and 0.015 respectively). Conclusion: Adherence to medical treatment is affected by many social and environmental factors. Diabetes being a long term disease requires special attention especially in geriatrics who also have their unique set of problems.Focussed counselling at time of diagnosis of disease can help improve compliance and prevent long term complications.

Keywords: adherence rate, determinants, diabetes, geriatric, predictors.