Exploring Challenges to Medication Adherence and the Role of Pharmacists in Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Keywords:
Medication adherence, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, challenges, Pharmacist role, qualitative research, Bacolod City, PhilippinesAbstract
Background: Medication adherence is essential for effective management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and the prevention of its complications, which continue to pose a major public health challenge. Despite its importance, many patients struggle to follow their prescribed treatment plans.
Objective: This study explored the challenges patients with T2DM face in adhering to their medications and the role of pharmacists in promoting adherence.
Methods: This qualitative research was conducted in Bacolod City and involved in-depth interviews with ten individuals diagnosed with T2DM.
Results: Through thematic analysis, we identified key factors influencing medication adherence, including side effects of antidiabetic medications, financial problems, and emotional and psychological burdens. Findings also revealed that patients use various coping strategies, including lifestyle modifications. In this regard, pharmacists play an important role in supporting patients' medication needs living with chronic conditions such as T2DM.
Conclusion: the results also indicated that pharmacists' expertise was often unrecognized, with patients mainly depending on doctors for medication advice.
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