Religious affiliation, subjective wellbeing and adherence to medication among diabetic patients in Nigeria

Abstract

Globally, an estimated 422 million adults are living with diabetes, according to 2016 data from the World Health Organization (WHO). This study examined religious and subjective health affiliations as a predictor of medication adherence among diabetics in Nigeria. The survey design was used with 279 diabetic patients in Makurdi, Benue State using convenience sampling technique. The Morisky's Religion Scale, Life Satisfaction Scale, and Drug Compliance Scale were used for data collection. The first hypothesis shows that religion significantly affects the adherence to medication of diabetic patients in Nigeria [F(1,277)=31,341; p < 0.000, R = 0.391 and R2 = 0.102], the second hypothesis shows that subjective well-being significantly affects the adherence of diabetic patients in Nigeria [F(1,277) = 16.403; p<0.00, R=0.236 and R2=0.056] and hypothesis three revealed that religious association and subjective health jointly predict treatment adherence among diabetic patients in Nigeria [F(2,276)= 28,210; p<0,000; R= .412 and R2=.170]. However, for some people with diabetes, including religion and spirituality may be necessary. This is because it increases compliance and ultimately contributes to good treatment outcomes. Also, the inclusion of religion and spirituality may be necessary in the case of some patients with depression and anxiety, as it enhances adherence, which ultimately contributes to good treatment outcomes.