Medication Use Behaviors among Diabetic Patients with Uncontrolled Blood Glucose

Abstract

Objective: To understand drug use behavior among diabetic patients with uncontrolled blood glucose. Methods: This qualitative study collected data by in-depth interviewing 17 key informants who were diabetic patients with uncontrolled blood sugar. The study interviewed the informants according to the dimensions specified in the explanatory models of illness including disease perceptions, etiology, time and onset of disease, pathophysiology, severity and complications of disease, treatment and perception about medicines. The study analyzed the data by using content analysis. Results: Most of the key informants were not very strict to taking diabetes medicines as prescribed by physicians. Some key informants started changing the dosage and became non-adherent since the first year of treatment. They would later observe their own symptoms. If there were no abnormal symptoms, i.e., they could work and did not feel tired, they would continue to take the medication in their own way. If their blood sugar was high or having frequent urination, fatigue, and dizziness, they would return to taking the medication as prescribed by physicians. Explanatory model of disease can be used to explain the factors affecting treatment outcomes and medication compliance. Most key informants did not know the cause of the disease, pathophysiology, and severity of diabetes, so they do not pay attention to their blood sugar level. In addition, it was found that key informants had a negative perception of medication, believing that taking a large number of medications for a long time may cause kidney failure due to its heavy functioning. Key informants called kidney failure “kidney intolerance.” Conclusion: Explanatory models of disease affects patients’ medication compliance. Health personnel should understand these phenomena as crucial factors affecting treatment outcomes and develop strategies to enhance patient medication adherence.