Beliefs about medicines as mediators in medication adherence in type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Aims This study analysed whether beliefs about medicines mediated the relationship between illness representations and medication adherence. Background Adherence to medication is required in diabetes treatment, contributing to decreased blood glycaemic levels. The knowledge and perception of patients about diabetes as well as the beliefs about medicines are considered to be key factors for medication adherence. Design The study used a cross‐sectional design that included 387 patients recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Methods Participants were assessed, between 2010 and 2013, and answered the Medication Adherence Scale, the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. Results The results of the path analysis showed that beliefs about medicines had a mediating role on self‐report medication adherence with the exception of beliefs about specific concerns with medicines. Therefore, both general beliefs and specific needs about medicines mediated the relationship between diabetes consequences and self‐report medication adherence as well as between treatment control and self‐report medication adherence. Needs about medicines mediated the relationship between personal control and self‐report medication adherence. Conclusion Health professionals should target beliefs about medicines besides illness representations regarding medication adherence. The current study may help optimize adherence to medication in early‐diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients.

Psychosocial Determinants of Treatment Adherence in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes – A Review

“…50 In a study by Graça Pereira et al on a group of 382 patients with type 2 diabetes, greater concerns about the diabetes, weaker general beliefs about medicines, and stronger needs about medicines were associated with higher levels of adherence to treatment. 49 In turn, Yoel et al confirmed the impact of adverse effects of the prescribed medication on adherence. 50 Patients with poorer adherence reported that the adverse effects from the prescribed medication were worse than their disease symptoms (65 vs 47%), which represented the main reason for discontinuation of treatment in nearly half of the patients studied.…”

“… 17–21 , 26–31 , 39–42 , 45–48 A further 16 study were identified through reference searches. 22–25 , 32–38 , 43 , 44 , 49–52 No studies were found on the association of frailty syndrome and addiction with adherence of patients with type 2 diabetes.…”

The Consequences of General Medication Beliefs Measured by the Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire on Medication Adherence: A Systematic Review

“…Two of these evaluated general beliefs on medication adherence were assessed as one factor without measuring harm or overuse beliefs. In both of these studies, a negative association with medication adherence was reported [ 24 , 25 ].…”

Nurses' role in promoting medication adherence

“…1 Also, if a patient believes their condition will adversely affect their life to a great extent, they will be adherent. 17 Thus, a belief in the necessity of medication in treating or curing a condition can be balanced or offset by one' s concerns about the medication' s potential adverse reactions or the impact of medications. In other words, patients constantly engage in a riskbenefit analysis of their medications.…”