Abstract :
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a spectrum of common metabolic disorders, arising from a variety
of pathogenic mechanisms, all resulting in hyperglycemias. Drug utilization study of anti-diabetic agent is
of paramount importance to promote rational drug use and also to make available valuable information for
health planning.
Aims: The present study was taken up to explore into the drug-utilization pattern among diabetic patients.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Pharmacology in
collaboration with Medicine Department, JNIMS, Porompat during May 2018 – April 2020. A total of 100
patients aged 18 years or more with the clinical diagnosis of type II DM and admitted in the MedicineWard
were the study-subjects. Patients with co-morbid conditions were excluded from the study. Information on
the medical compliance profile was collected by using the Medical Compliance Questionnaire.
Results: Females outnumbered males in the ratio of 1.2:1. The mean age of the patients is 55.03 years
with a standard deviation (SD) of 8.58 years. The proportion of patients who took the prescribed drugs
without any interruption was 66%. 64% of the patients never thought of giving up the medications in any
circumstance, even though they started feeling better. 63% of the patients always carried the medications
with them when they are away from home.
Conclusion: The treatment adherence to medications among the study-subjects was found to be 66%.
This variation might be because of inadequate counseling during starting of the therapy and also during the
follow-up periods. This issue needs to be focused while initiating diabetic medications.
Keyword :
Cross-sectional study, Diabetes mellitus, Drug utilization, Hyperglycemia, Health planning, Medical compliance questionnaire.