Diabetes educator-led education intervention to improve the medication adherence and quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients: a pre-and post-analysis

Musa Bin Bashir; Saba Ijaz; Umar Farooq; Amreen Kahar; Wang Zhi Quan

Musa Bin Bashir Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
Saba Ijaz Department of Internal Medicine, Life Line Medical and Diagnostic Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
Umar Farooq Department of Cardiology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
Amreen Kahar Department of Cardiology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
Wang Zhi Quan Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

Keywords: type 2 diabetes, education, adherence, quality of life

Abstract

The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of diabetes educator-led education intervention in improving medication and overall quality of life in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Pakistan ranked third globally, with a diabetes prevalence of 33 million in 2021, highlighting the significance of this health issue, which can be further exacerbated by medication non-adherence to diabetes medication—the current study utilized pre- and post-intervention design. The study participants were diabetes patients. Diabetes educators, who play a crucial role in diabetes management, delivered educational interventions to patients with diabetes during one-to-one consultations. The intervention focused on educating the patients regarding the importance of medication adherence, understanding diabetes medication, and techniques to take medication (pill organizer), as well as dietary and lifestyle modifications to support medication efficacy. Adherence was assessed using the DAI-10 scale, while quality of life was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L scale. The Wilcoxson signed-rank test was used to assess the effect of the intervention. A total of 300 patients participated, amongst which most of the patients were 41–60 years old (57.3%) and were male (52.7%). In the post-intervention, compared to the pre-intervention group, the adherence level was significantly increased (p<0.001). Being male, having employment, and smoking were significantly associated with medication adherence in the post-intervention group. In addition, patients who have co-morbidities were 2.07 times more likely to be associated with medication adherence. The education intervention significantly improved the adherence to diabetes medication and overall QoL of the diabetes patients.