Assessment of Medication Knowledge Among Adults with Diabetes mellitus in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Authors

  • W. A. Ojieabu
  • J. E. Arute
  • T. D. Ajayi

Keywords:

Diabetes mellitus, Patient information, Medication knowledge, Patient satisfaction

Abstract

Background: Previous research had suggested a relationship between patients’ knowledge of their medications and their adherence to treatment instructions.

Objective: To assess medication knowledge among adults with diabetes mellitus at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State.

Methods: This was a cross sectional study of 152 adults with either Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes mellitus attending the Diabetes Clinic of the OOUTH. A two-part questionnaire was used to collect data on demography and knowledge of their medications.

Results: Out of the one hundred and fifty two respondents, 60.5% were females and majority, (50.7%) fell within the 60-79 years age group. Majority (76.3%) of the patients reported very good medication knowledge, 32% and 46.1% knew the names and number of all the drugs they were taking respectively. Majority (96.1%) were aware they were receiving treatment for diabetes mellitus. The pharmacist was rated as the main information provider by 38.8% while 50.7% were not satisfied with their level of glycaemic control. Although 32.2% agreed that the information provided made available to them was sufficient, 71.1% preferred medication instructions in both written and verbal forms.

Conclusions: The present study revealed the need for adequate and appropriate information for patients receiving care for diabetes mellitus to enable them engage in effective self-care management of their ailment.

Author Biographies

W. A. Ojieabu

Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State

J. E. Arute

Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State.

T. D. Ajayi

Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State

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Published

2016-03-24

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