1 research outputs found
A Multifactorial Intervention to Enhance Adherence to Medications and Disease-Related Knowledge in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Southern Punjab, Pakistan
Purpose: To assess the impact of pharmacist-led multifactorial
interventions on health parameters, medication adherence, and
disease-related knowledge among type 2 diabetic patients in southern
Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: The effect of intervention was evaluated by
randomly assigning patients into control group (n = 170), receiving
conventional medical care, and intervention group (n = 178), receiving
predefined specialized care. The primary outcome of this intervention
study was improvement in glycemic control which was assessed by
measuring fasting blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c)
values. Results: The outcomes obtained clearly show the role of
pharmacist counseling in the control of type 2 diabetes while improving
fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c levels, reduction in Body Mass
Index (BMI), improvement in disease knowledge as well as reduction in
smoking. The intervention significantly reduced BMI and waist
circumference by a difference of 1.87 (p = 0.014) and 1.27 (p = 0.002)
between control and intervention groups. Glycemic control was
significant within the intervention group, as evident by a reduction in
fasting blood glucose level {-19.26 mg/dL (p = 0.003)} and HbA1c level
{-1.01 % (p < 0.001)} compared to control group. The mean difference
in glycemic control between both groups was insignificant but mild
reductions were seen in fasting blood glucose (-11.95 mg/dL, p = 0.11)
and HbA1c (-0.43 %, p = 0.12). A significant increase in
disease-related knowledge was seen in the intervention group, compared
to the control group which was evident by mean differences in
compliance (p = 0.003), foot-care (p < 0.001) and self-monitoring of
blood glucose (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The purpose of study was
achieved in that it demonstrates that pharmacists can play a pivotal
role in improving glycemic control in diabetic patients and that
involvement of pharmacists in diabetic clinics is beneficial to the
patients in terms of medication adherence and promotion of healthy
lifestyle