Abstract

Objective: To assess the role of health literacy on medication adherence of diabetes and effect of diabetes on daily living performance activities.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a private teaching hospital from August to December 2022 and included 260 patients. Details were gathered regarding their socio-demographics to see adherence. A 4 item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, Barthel index were used to assess daily living performance activities and single question item to check for health literacy. Non-probability purposive sampling was done. Data was analysed using SPSS 25.
Results: Low and medium medication adherence was observed in about 2/3rd of sample (67%). Inadequate health literacy was observed in more than 2/3rd of sample population (70.8%). Significant associations were seen between medication adherence and age group, educational level, annual income, residential status, self-reported health behaviour and health literacy (p< 0.5). No association was noted with performing daily living activities.
Conclusion: Patient education regarding high medication adherence is important. Factors affecting medication adherence should be addressed by physicians in follow-up visits.

Key words: Adherence, diabetes, health, literacy, medication.