Development and Validation of a Questionnaire for Assessing Medication Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in India
Anuradha H. V*
, Sanjana Prabhu P and Pramila Kalra Department of Pharmacology, M S Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, India, Pin: 560054
Corresponding Author E-mail:dranuradhapharmac@gmail.com
Abstract: Introduction: Ensuring adherence to medications among patients treated for chronic illnesses is a challenge faced by healthcare providers around the world. The present study was performed to develop and validate a questionnaire for assessing medication adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients as this is one of the most prevalent chronic disease in India. Methods: The study included type 2 DM who were on antidiabetic a minimum duration of six months with or without co-morbidities, aged 18-65 years. Participants were asked 15 specifically designed questions. Items were validated using content validity and the internal consistency was assessed using coefficients of reliability such as Cronbach’s alpha and Spearson Brown correlation correction. Results: Of the 15 items in the questionnaire, one of the items was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale and was considered as a sub-item of another main item; 14 items with dichotomous answers were included to assess the internal consistency. Out of 14 items, 2 were excluded to provide a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.927 which is suggestive of a good internal consistency amongst the questionnaire items. Spearson brown correlation correction performed on these final 12 items yielded a value of 0.91 which suggests good inter-item reliability. Conclusion: Given the validity and reliability of this 12-items questionnaire and its ease of use, it could serve as a screening tool in the outpatient setting to identify patients who are poorly adherent and therefore at risk of developing uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Keywords: Anti-diabetic medications; Medication adherence; Questionnaire; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Validation Back to TOC