Evaluation of Compliance with Drug Regimens in Diabetic Patients Referred to the Endocrinology Clinic of Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran

Background: Low compliance with drugs regimens in diabetic patients is one of the greatest challenges in the treatment of diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate compliance with medical orders in diabetic patients referred to the Endocrinology Clinic of Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran. Methods: In this cross sectional study 345 of the 3000 patients, who referred to the Endocrinology Clinic and had medical records, were chosen randomly in 2010. Information including demographic characteristics and variables about the disease and treatment of diabetes were collected. Lab tests including FBS and HbA1c were done. Results: 74.6% of patients had good compliance (90% and more). Compliance, in educated patients and those who visited their physician with an interval of more than 3 months, was better than others (P < 0.05). The mean of FBS and HbA1c were respectively 143 ± 54.2 and 7.4 ± 1.3 in good compliance and 172.8 ± 72.2 and 8.1 ± 1.7 in the bad compliance group. Both differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: This study shows that educated patients have higher compliance, and less educated patients are at higher risk and need more support and surveillance for glycemic control. We suggest that more studies be undertaken on the different factors related to diabetic patients’ compliance. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Compliance, Medical Order