Study of adherence to treatment of patients with diabetes in Ukraine.

Abstract

The patient's medication adherence significantly affects the achievement of therapy goals. Adherence to DM therapies ranges from 36% to 93%. Improving adherence is expected to reduce healthcare costs, reduce HbA1c and the risk of complications. In Ukraine, the majority of patients with diabetes (PwD) do not achieve satisfactory glycemic goals. Adherence to the treatment of PwD has not been studied in Ukraine. Survey of their adherence to therapy of PwD was conducted. The aim of the work was to study the adherence to treatment of PwD. The survey of PwD regarding adherence to treatment was conducted by the questionnaire method using remote forms with applying Google forms. The conducted survey identified the numerous problems regarding the use of drugs and adherence to the treatment of PwD in Ukraine. Main reasons of low adherence to therapies of PwD are memory problems and cognitive impairment fear of hypoglycemia; problems with the use of equipment (glucometers, pens); emotional exhaustion; poor communication with the doctor; polypharmacy; unavailability of necessary treatment and control DM. At the same time, the survey revealed communication problems with doctors and pharmacists. According to PwDs view in Ukraine, the attributes they expect from a doctor and pharmacist are: more information and training; a more accessible explanation of the goals and regimen of treatment. To improve the situation, medical and pharmaceutical workers should use accessible language, without using complex terms and show interest, support, compassion, tolerance, empathy and sometimes appropriate humor. In the words three intervention strategies of pharmacists to increase adherence to treatment are identified: educational (increasing patients' knowledge about DM), behavioral (consultations, monitoring treatment goals, behavior change, monitoring adverse reactions), and educational-behavioral. Intervention strategies by pharmacists will improve adherence to treatment, which can be implemented according to GPP, tailored to patients of this nosology. Improving adherence to diabetes treatment will improve treatment efficacy and achieve glycemic goals and prevent the development of complications.