Health Behavior and It Relationship to Medication Adherence Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Ninety percent of cases of diabetes mellitus are type 2, making it a major worldwide health burden. In order to avoid complications and lower treatment costs, effective glycemic control—achieved through medication adherence and lifestyle changes—is essential. Nonetheless, medicine non adherence is a widespread problem, with a rate of 43.4% in low- and middle-income nations. Objective(s): The purpose of this study is to assess health habits in individuals with type 2 diabetes and investigate the connection between these activities and medication compliance. Methods: This study is cross-sectional and descriptive. The study was carried out in Najaf city/Najaf Health Department, Al Sadr Teaching Hospital, Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, and the Northern Najaf Sector, Al-Imam Al-Askari Health Center, to assess health behavior and its connection to type 2 diabetes medication adherence. The random sample method was used to choose 100 patients for the investigation.  Results: 77% of patients reside in cities, and the distribution of genders is equal. Patients are aware that diabetes is chronic (mean = 9.49) and believe that it significantly affects their life (mean = 8.80).  They did, however, feel somewhat in control of the illness (mean = 7.69). Patients experienced high levels of anxiety (mean = 8.28) and mild diabetic symptoms (mean = 7.23). Patients' knowledge of their condition was mediocre (mean = 7.52), suggesting that awareness has to be raised. Just 9% of patients had good medication adherence, 40% had moderate adherence, and 51% had low adherence. Patients' knowledge of diabetes and medication adherence had a weak but statistically significant link (rho = 0.114), suggesting that information slightly but significantly improves adherence. Conclusion: Among younger, urban, low-socioeconomic participants, particularly those with numerous chronic diseases, the study found inadequate medication adherence and information gaps about disease management.