Understanding Multiple Factors Affecting Medication Adherence in Adults with Diabetes Using a Health Ecology and COM-B Approach

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the reasons why some adults with diabetes have difficulty taking their medications as prescribed. This observational study focuses on understanding the many factors influencing medication adherence, which is crucial for controlling blood sugar and avoiding complications. The study uses an integrated Health Ecology and Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior COM-B framework to explore how individual understanding, social support, healthcare communication, and practical challenges affect medication-taking behavior. Participants are adults with diabetes who are receiving long-term medication and attending routine outpatient care. They will complete structured questionnaires and have their prescription records reviewed during a single clinical visit. The study does not involve any treatment or follow-up visits. The assessment covers individual factors like medication literacy and beliefs, interpersonal influences such as family support, healthcare interaction quality, and structural barriers like medication cost and access. During one outpatient encounter, participants will answer validated questionnaires about medication adherence and its influences. Researchers will review prescriptions to evaluate regimen complexity. The main outcome measured is medication adherence, with additional assessments on medication literacy, beliefs about medicines, family involvement, social support, and communication quality. No interventions are given, and data collection occurs only once, aiming to inform future strategies to improve adherence in diabetes care.

Multilevel Ecological and COM-B Determinants of Medication Adherence in Adults With Diabetes