USERS COMPLIANCE AND BENEFITS OF INSULIN PENS THERAPY IN TRIPOLI LIBYA

Wejdan Bzezi, Tamader Y. Elghnimi*, Wadiaa A. Benamer, Abosaa M. Ali, Yousf MS. Alazzabi, Mustafa S. Targhi

ABSTRACT

This perspective field study was conducted at the diabetic center Tripoli Libya between February 2015 to May 2015, nearly two years and after the time when the ministry of health started dispensing insulin pens along with traditional insulin on a wide scale. The investigators interviewed insulin dependent patients using a questionnaire composed of 11 questions. A total of 100 completed questionnaires were obtained out of 110 distributed. Data was gathered by personal interview of 50 male and 50 female patients at the center. The aim was to investigate and evaluate the extent of compliance of these patients with insulin pens which were introduced recently compared to traditional vials & syringe method of insulin administration. The results show only 8 patients out of total 100 continue using traditional insulin, and 92 of the patients switched from traditional insulin to pen devices. According to these patients, pen devices are superior to traditional methods, with no problems during use, less pain, easier to adjust the dose, relatively suitable price and available during traveling abroad.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Insulin pens, insulin, compliance, questionnaire.