Medication Adherence and Associated Factors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Structural Equation Model

Kidney Stones of Type I vs. Type II Diabetic Patients: Are There Any Differences?

Background: This study highlighted the differences between the biochemical compositions of urinary stones from patients with type 1 diabetes versus those with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: This study included patients diagnosed with kidney stones and diabetes who were referred to the Urological Clinic of the Dr. C. I. Parhon Hospital in Iasi from April 2017 to April 2024. We analyzed the spectroscopic stone composition from 128 lithiasis patients treated in our Clinic. In the current study, the distribution of the biochemical composition of stones varied significantly between diabetic patients with type 2 diabetes, who formed primarily mixed uric acid stones, and diabetic patients with type 1 diabetes, who mainly developed pure uric acid stones (p < 0.001). Patients with uric acid stones had significantly higher mean creatinine values than the other stone types (p < 0.001). Urinary pH levels were abnormal for all biochemical subtypes of stones, indicating acidic urine. However, patients with uric acid stones had lower pH values than the group average. From the Kaplan-Mayer analysis, patients with pure uric acid stones had a shorter time to stone recurrence compared to patients with other biochemical types identified. Conclusions: These findings, which highlight the prevalence of pure uric acid stones in patients with type 1 diabetes and the impact of this on the strategy for dissolving pure stones, represent a significant advancement in understanding urinary lithiasis in diabetic patients.

Examining the Relationship Between Social Support, Self-Efficacy, Diabetes Self-Management, and Quality of Life Among Rural Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes in Eastern China: Path Analytical Approach

BACKGROUND

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in rural China frequently exhibit inadequate diabetes self-management (DSM) and a reduced quality of life (QoL). Social support and self-efficacy are known to influence DSM and QoL. However, the pathways through which social support and self-efficacy impact DSM and QoL among patients with T2D in rural China has yet to be fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This study offers a foundation for developing policies in rural chronic disease management, thereby, contributing to the improvement of T2D prevention and control in China and other transitional countries.

METHODS

This study used a cross-sectional design, collecting data from a survey conducted between May and July 2021 on DSM and QoL among rural patients diagnosed with T2D in 2 townships in East China. All patients with T2D were enrolled through cluster sampling from the township health center database, and a questionnaire survey was administered by investigators. Structural equation modeling and multiple regression analyses were used to explore the pathways through which social support influences DSM and QoL, as well as the mediating role of self-efficacy.

RESULTS

It was found that the DSM score (mean 37.42, SD 7.70) was less than half of the maximum theoretical score. The QoL score (mean 48.92, SD 8.88) accounted for 36% of the maximum theoretical score. Social support directly and positively affected the DSM and QoL of Chinese rural patients with T2D (P<.01); an increase of 1 unit in social support was associated with a direct increment of 0.339 units in DSM and 0.397 units in QoL. Self-efficacy played a positive mediating role (P<.01), further increasing DSM and QoL by 0.147 and 0.159 units, respectively. The mediating effect of self-efficacy accounted for 30.2% and 28.6% of the total effect of social support on DSM and QoL. Furthermore, the family and friend dimension of social support, along with the symptom and disease management dimensions of self-efficacy, were significantly associated with DSM or QoL (P<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirmed the direct and indirect influences of social support on DSM and QoL and elucidated the mediating effect of self-efficacy among rural patients with T2D in eastern China. Interventions should be developed to enhance both social support and self-efficacy, creating a positive cycle of mutual reinforcement to improve DSM and QoL among this group.

Patient, family, and community factors associated with medication adherence among people with hypertension or diabetes: A cross-sectional analysis

Background

While suboptimal medication adherence remains an obstacle to the management of hypertension and diabetes in China, few studies have investigated associated factors with medication adherence on different dimensions simultaneously.

Objective

To systematically examine associated patient, family, and community factors with suboptimal medication adherence among people with hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes in China.

Methods

The study stratified a random sample of 622 adults aged 45 years or older with hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes from three southeast cities in China in 2019. Trained interviewers used the Morisky Green Levine Medication Adherence Scale, Self-Efficacy to Manage Chronic Disease (SEMCD) Scale, and the Family Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) Scale to assess medication adherence, self-efficacy, and family function, respectively. Participants also reported their perceived satisfaction with community health services (quantity, quality, affordability, and overall acceptance). The study used the multivariable logistic regression to assess the association of patient, family, and community factors with suboptimal medication adherence.

Results

Among the participants, 42.9% reported suboptimal medication adherence. In the multivariable logistic regression model, male participants (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55, p = 0.001) had higher medication adherence compared to females. Having a self-efficacy score that was lower than or equal to the sample mean was significantly associated with lower adherence (OR = 1.44, p = 0.039). Participants unsatisfied with the affordability of community health services and medicine had lower adherence (OR = 2.18, p = 0.028) than those neutral or satisfied. There were no significant associations between family function and medication adherence.

Conclusions

Sex, self-efficacy, and perceived affordability of community health services were important factors associated with medication adherence. Healthcare professionals are recommended to consider multiple factors and leverage services and resources in community health centers when promoting medication adherence.

Psychometrics properties of type 2 diabetes treatment adherence questionnaire (DTAQ): a study based on Pender's health promotion model

BACKGROUND

Management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) as a chronic disease requires treatment adherence such as controlling the blood glucose level and adopting a healthy lifestyle. The present study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate a questionnaire based on the Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM) to measure treatment adherence and the associated factors among T2D patients.

METHODS

The present study was conducted in qualitative and the quantitative phases between March 2022 and March 2023. The participants were T2D patients visiting Shahid Mohammadi hospital Diabetes Clinic in Bandar Abbas in the south of Iran. The first draft of items was extracted from the qualitative phase. The present study used interviews with T2D patients, item construction, validity and reliability evaluation of the instrument, and the relevant statistical analyses. It emphasized the significance of content, face, and construct validity, along with reliability testing using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest method. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, V16 and AMOS, V23.

RESULTS

A 97-item questionnaire was developed through the qualitative phase and, after content validity, it was reduced to 86 items. Five items were removed in face validation, and after the test-retest method, 79 items were retained. The confirmatory factors analysis confirmed a 65-item model with appropriate fitness of data. Cronbach's alpha coefficient showed an acceptable reliability of the diabetes treatment adherence questionnaire (α = 0.92).

CONCLUSION

The questionnaire developed based on the HPM model provides a standard and comprehensive measurement of the degree of adherence to treatment and the associated factors among Iranian T2D patients. This is especially valuable in the Iranian healthcare context, where effective management of chronic diseases such as diabetes is of a top priority. Questionnaires can help identify barriers and facilitators of treatment adherence to inform systematic and goal-oriented interventions. The proposed questionnaire had good psychometric properties, and can be used as a valid and practical instrument to measure the factors related to treatment adherence behaviors.

The burden and care cascade in young and middle-aged patients with diabetes hypertension comorbidity with abdominal obesity in India: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey

We ascertained the burden, determinants, and care cascade in the young and middle-aged patients having co-existing hypertension (HTN), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), and abdominal obesity in India from a secondary data analysis of nationally representative data. The study examined cross-sectional data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted in India from 2019 to 2021 in 788974 individuals aged 15-49 years including 695707 women and 93267 men. The weighted prevalence of DM-HTN comorbidity with high waist circumference in the sample was 0.75% (95% CI: 0.71 to 0.79) including 46.33% (95% CI: 44.06 to 48.62) newly diagnosed cases detected for HTN and high blood sugars. The weighted prevalence of Metabolic syndrome as per NCEP ATPIII criteria was found to be 1.13% (95% CI: 1.08 to 1.17). Only 46.16% existing cases were treated with both anti-diabetes and antihypertensive medication (full treatment), while 34.71% cases were untreated. On adjusted analysis, increasing age, females, higher wealth index, high fat diet, obesity and comorbidities were significantly associated with having DM-HTN comorbidity along with high-waist circumference. More than half of young and middle aged-population in India with DM-HTN-abdominal obesity triad are not initiated on treatment for DM and HTN comorbidities, while a majority of the previously diagnosed cases have uncontrolled blood pressure and poor glycemic control. The poor cascade of care for DM and HTN in these high-risk group of patients may substantially increase their risk for early progression and severity of microvascular and macrovascular complications especially cardiovascular disease.

Adherence with oral nutritional supplements and influencing factors in postoperative patients with digestive tract tumors: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to use structural equation modeling to explore the pathways and effect sizes of factors influencing the adherence of postoperative patients with digestive tract tumor to oral nutritional supplements, providing a theoretical basis for future nursing intervention measures.

METHODS

A total of 300 postoperative patients with digestive tract tumor within 30 days after surgery were conveniently sampled. Surveys were conducted using a General Information Questionnaire, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, Digestive System Tumor Patient Nutrition Knowledge-Attitude-Behavior Questionnaire, Multidimensional Social Perception Scale, Beliefs about Medical Questionnaire, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the factors and pathways affecting adherence with oral nutritional supplements.

RESULTS

The adherence score of postoperative patients with digestive tract tumor to oral nutritional supplements was 1.61 ± 1.38. The structural equation model had a good fit (χ2/df = 2.685, GFI = 0.930, CFI = 0.913, AGFI = 0.887, IFI = 0.915, and RMSEA = 0.075). Nutrition knowledge, social support, medication beliefs, and self-efficacy were found to be factors influencing adherence with oral nutritional supplements in postoperative patients with digestive tract tumor, with total effects of 0.539, 0.264, 0.215, and 0.180, respectively. Nutrition knowledge indirectly affected adherence through self-efficacy and medication beliefs, while social support indirectly affected adherence through self-efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Adherence with oral nutritional supplements in postoperative patients with digestive tract tumor is at a low level. Improving social support, enhancing patients nutrition knowledge, increasing self-efficacy, and strengthening medication beliefs are effective ways to improve patient adherence.

Perceived social support and treatment adherence in Chileans with Type 2 diabetes

This study aimed to determine if greater perceived social support was directly associated with better Type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment adherence and if better T2D treatment adherence was related to lower HbA1c levels in Chilean adults with T2D. For this purpose, 200 adults were recruited from the Chilean Diabetic Association. Participants were asked to complete self-report instruments and provide a capillary blood sample to measure HbA1c. Structural equation model analyses were performed to determine direct associations. The study's results indicate that greater perceived social support was associated with healthier dietary habits, regular foot care, more frequent physical activity, and lower medication intake. Likewise, blood sugar testing and physical activity were related to HbA1c. These findings provide evidence of how perceived social support relates to T2D treatment adherence behaviors in Latino patients from South America and could be used for interventions to enhance social support from patients' families, partners, and friends.

A Review on Affordable Combinations in Type 2 Diabetes Care: Exploring the Cost-Effective Potential of Glipizide + Metformin and Glimepiride + Metformin + Pioglitazone

Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) largely relies on medication adherence of individuals with diabetes to achieve optimal glycemic control. The economic burden of diabetes could impede adherence, leading to a reduction in treatment efficacy and increased risk of complications. Furthermore, monotherapy in diabetes is losing traction due to its ineffectiveness in achieving early and sustained optimal glycemic control in a significant proportion of the population. Hence, clinicians prefer combination treatment due to their improved efficacy and safety. Considering these factors, the current review highlights the safety and efficacy of the affordable combination therapies, a dual therapy, glipizide + metformin, and a triple-drug combination of glimepiride + metformin + pioglitazone and its applicability in the management of T2DM among individuals with diabetes in India.

Low medication adherence and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending Amana Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Low medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality globally. We investigated the prevalence of low medication adherence and its associated factors among patients with T2DM.

METHODS

We used the Bengali version of the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) in measuring medication adherence among patients with T2DM who were attending the diabetes clinic at Amana Regional Referral Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from December 2021 to May 2022. Binary logistic regression analysis under multivariate analysis was used to determine the predictors of low medication adherence after controlling for confounders. A two-tailed p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The prevalence of low medication adherence was 36.7% (91/248) of the subjects included in the study. Lack of formal education (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 5.3 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.717 to 16.312], p=0.004), having comorbidities (AOR 2.1 [95% CI 1.134 to 3.949], p=0.019) and drinking alcohol (AOR 3.5 [95% CI 1.603 to 7.650], p=0.031) were the independent predictors of low medication adherence.

CONCLUSION

More than one-third of the patients with T2DM in this study had low medication adherence. Our study also showed that a lack of formal education, having comorbidities and drinking alcohol were significantly associated with low medication adherence.

Compliance status and influencing factors of anticoagulation therapy in outpatient undergoing major orthopedic surgery

PURPOSE

This study was designed to investigate influencing factors of out-of-hospital anticoagulation therapy compliance among patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgeries.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted from July 2022 to February 2023 among outpatients who underwent major orthopedic surgery in our hospital. Patients (n = 200) were surveyed using the General Information Questionnaire, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Specificity of Medication-Taking Beliefs Scale, and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Factors that influenced patient compliance were also determined using univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-three valid questionnaires were returned, the compliance with outpatient anticoagulation therapy among patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgeries was good in 56.3% (103/183) of all cases and poor in 43.7% (80/183). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that medication duration, adverse effects, self-efficacy and medication beliefs influenced adherence to out-of-hospital anticoagulation therapy in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor compliance with out-of-hospital anticoagulation therapy in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery is mainly associated with a long course of medication, adverse reactions, low self-efficacy and low medication beliefs. Healthcare staff should strengthen post-discharge anticoagulation management based on relevant influencing factors to enhance patient compliance.

Frailty and medication adherence among older adult patients with hypertension: a moderated mediation model

Objective

Medication adherence has a critical impact on the well-being of older adult patients with hypertension. As such, the current study aimed to investigate the mediating role of health literacy between frailty and medication adherence and the moderating role of educational level.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included patients admitted to the geriatric unit of a hospital. Participants were interviewed using the four-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, the Frailty Phenotype Scale, and the Health Literacy Management Scale. Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to assess the association between variables. Mediation and moderated mediation analyses were performed using Process version 4.1 via Model 4 and 14, respectively.

Results

Data from 388 participants were analyzed. The median (IQR [P25-P75]) score for medication adherence was 4.00 (2.00-4.00). Results revealed that after controlling for age, sex, hypertension complication(s) and body mass index, frailty significantly contributed to medication adherence (βtotal -0.236 [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.333 to -0.140]). Medication adherence was influenced by frailty (βdirect -0.192 [95% CI -0.284 to -0.099]) both directly and indirectly through health literacy (βindirect -0.044 [95% CI -0.077 to -0.014]). Educational level moderated the pathway mediated by health literacy; more specifically, the conditional indirect effect between frailty and medication adherence was significant among older adult hypertensive patients with low, intermediate, and high educational levels (effect -0.052 [95% CI -0.092 to -0.106]; effect -0.041 [95% CI -0.071 to -0.012]; effect -0.026 [95% CI -0.051 to -0.006]). The relationship between frailty and medication adherence in older adult patients with hypertension was found to have mediating and moderating effects.

Conclusion

A moderated mediation model was proposed to investigate the effect of frailty on medication adherence. It was effective in strengthening medication adherence by improving health literacy and reducing frailty. More attention needs to be devoted to older adult patients with hypertension and low educational levels.

Bromocriptine and Colesevelam Hydrochloride: Novel Therapies for Type II Diabetes Mellitus

The increasing prevalence of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a worldwide healthcare concern. Over the years, our understanding of T2DM has grown considerably in uncovering the pathophysiology of the disease and, in turn, understanding how improved treatment methods can be used to slow disease progression. Some long-term complications that are responsible for most T2DM mortalities include cardiovascular disease, neurological decline, and renal failure. In treating T2DM, it is important that not only glycemic control be obtained but also control of associated complications. Bromocriptine and colesevelam hydrochloride have both been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat T2DM but are not readily used in practice. These medications are known to treat glycemic dysregulation via unconventional mechanisms, which might contribute to their potential to provide protection against common diabetic complications such as cardiovascular disease. In order to ensure that these overlooked medications become more readily used, it is vital that more research be performed to further elucidate their efficacy in a clinical setting. Future studies should continue to provide clinicians a better understanding of the role these medications have on the treatment of T2DM such as their ability to be used in combination with other commonly used T2DM medications or as monotherapies.

Clinical and biochemical determinants of length of stay, readmission and recurrence in patients admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) related admissions poses a significant burden on the healthcare systems globally. However, data regarding the predictors of healthcare resource utilization in DKA is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to identify key predictors of hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission and recurrent DKA episodes.

METHODS

We undertook a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of all DKA admissions from 2015 to 2021 across four hospitals in Qatar. The primary outcomes were the length of stay (LOS), 90-day readmission and 6-month and 1-year DKA recurrence.

RESULTS

We included 922 patients with a median age of 35 years (25-45). 62% were males with type-1 diabetes-mellitus (T1DM) and type-2 DM (T2DM), present in 52% and 48% of patients. The median LOS was 2.6 days (IQR 1.1-4.8), and the median DKA resolution time was 18 h (10.5-29). Male-gender, new-onset DM, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), lower haemoglobin, sodium and potassium, higher urea, longer DKA duration and MICU admission predicted a longer LOS in a multivariate regression analysis. None of the factors were significantly associated with 90-day readmission. Patients with pre-existing T1DM were more likely to have a six-month DKA recurrence than pre-existing T2DM. Patients with a 6-month DKA recurrence, female gender and T1DM had higher odds of 12-month recurrence, whereas a consult with a diabetes educator at the index admission was associated with decreased odds of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

This is the most extensive study from the Middle-East region reporting on LOS, readmissions and the recurrence of DKA. Results from this study with a diverse population may be valuable for physicians and healthcare systems to decrease the diabetes-related healthcare burden in DKA patients.

The Mediating Effect of Self-Efficacy on the Relationship Between Medication Literacy and Medication Adherence Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes have poor medication adherence. Medication literacy is one of the influencing factors of medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the mechanism by which medication literacy affects medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes is unclear. The aim of this study was to verify the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between medication literacy and medication adherence.

Methods

A total of 402 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this study. The Chinese versions of the Medication Literacy Scale, the Self-Efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 were used in the survey. Pearson correlation analysis was used to find correlations among medication literacy, self-efficacy and medication adherence. The PROCESS macro (Version 4.1) with Model 4 for SPSS was used to verify the mediating role of self-efficacy.

Results

Twenty-four percent of the participants had poor medication adherence. Self-efficacy and medication literacy (r=0.499, p < 0.01) and medication adherence (r=0.499, p < 0.01) were significantly and positively correlated. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between medication knowledge and medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes, accounting for 36.7% of the total effect.

Conclusion

Self-efficacy had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between medication literacy and medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes. Self-efficacy should be improved through effective measures to increase patients' confidence in adherence to antihyperglycemic drugs.

Association between medication literacy and medication adherence and the mediating effect of self-efficacy in older people with multimorbidity

BACKGROUND

Multimorbidity has a significant impact on public health and primary care. Medication adherence is recognized as the most effective measure for managing and preventing multimorbidity. Studies have shown that medication literacy has a positive effect on medication adherence in patients with multimorbidity. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the underlying mechanisms of this relationship in older adults with multimorbidity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of self-efficacy in the association between medication literacy and medication adherence in this population.

METHODS

This study employed a cross-sectional design and convenience sampling method to survey older patients with multimorbidity in six communities in Zhengzhou, China, from July 12, 2021, to December 15, 2021. Participants were assessed using a demographic questionnaire, the Chinese Version of the Medication Literacy Scale (C-MLS), the Self-Efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale (SEAMS), and the Chinese Version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (C-MMAS-8). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and mediation analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 350 elderly patients met the inclusion criteria, and 328 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean age of the participants was 74.90 ± 7.37 years, with a slightly higher proportion of males (55.8%) than females (44.2%). The mean score for medication adherence was 4.85 ± 1.57, indicating poor medication adherence among the participants. Medication adherence scores varied significantly among participants of different ages, education levels, employment statuses and kinds of medication (p < 0.01). Scores for medication literacy and self-efficacy showed a significant positive correlation with medication adherence scores (all p < 0.001). The standardized coefficient for the total effect and direct effect of medication literacy on medication adherence was 0.268 (95% CI: 0.201, 0.335) and 0.187 (95% CI: 0.123, 0.252), respectively. After introducing self-efficacy into the model, the standardized coefficient for the indirect effect was 0.081 (95% CI: 0.049, 0.120), indicating that self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between medication literacy and medication adherence, accounting for 30.22% of the total effect.

CONCLUSION

This study might suggest that medication literacy indirectly affected medication adherence in older people with multimorbidity through self-efficacy. Health care providers should be aware of the importance of improving medication literacy and implement strategies aimed at increasing self-efficacy to achieve the goal of improving medication adherence in older adults with multimorbidity.

Socio-personal factors affecting adherence to treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of study was to identify the socio-personal factors affecting adherence to the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Cross-sectional articles were extracted from databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier. A meta-analysis was performed using integrated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) for age, BMI, depression, educational level, gender, employment status, marital status, smoking status. STATA 12.0 was used to estimate pooled RR in definite subgroups. The quality of the studies included was evaluated using the STROBE checklist.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies out of 7407 extracted articles were finally selected for the meta-analysis. The results showed that younger people had a 17% higher risk than older people, smokers had a 22% higher risk than non-smokers, and the employed had a 15% higher risk of non-adherence to treatment.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, older age, smoking and employment can lead to non-adherence to T2D treatment. Interventions are suggested to be made besides common health care considering the socio-personal features on type 2 diabetes patients' treatment adherence.

Shared-care models are highly effective and cost-effective for managing chronic hepatitis B in China: reinterpreting the primary care and specialty divide

Background

We evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of shared primary-specialty chronic hepatitis B (CHB) care models in China.

Methods

We constructed a decision-tree Markov model to simulate hepatitis B virus (HBV) disease progression in a cohort of 100,000 CHB individuals aged ≥18 years over their lifetime (aged 80). We evaluated the population impacts and cost-effectiveness in three scenarios: (1) status quo; (2) shared-care model with HBV testing and routine CHB follow-ups in primary care and antiviral treatment initiation in specialty care; and (3) shared-care model with HBV testing, treatment initiation and routine CHB follow-up in primary care and treatment for predetermined conditions in specialty care. We evaluated from a healthcare provider's perspective with 3% discounting rate and a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of 1-time China's GDP.

Findings

Compared with status quo, scenario 2 would result in an incremental cost of US$5.79-132.43m but a net gain of 328-16,993 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and prevention of 39-1935 HBV-related deaths over cohort's lifetime. Scenario 2 was not cost-effective with a WTP of 1-time GDP per capita, but became cost-effective when treatment initiation rate increased to 70%. In contrast, compared with status quo, secnario 3 would save US$144.59-192.93m in investment and achieve a net gain of 23,814-30,476 QALYs and prevention of 3074-3802 HBV-related deaths. Improving HBV antiviral treatment initiation among eligible CHB individuals substantially improved the cost-effectiveness of the shared-care models.

Interpretation

Shared-care models with HBV testing, follow up and referring of predetermined conditions to specialty care at an appropriate time, especially antiviral treatment initiation in primary care, are highly effective and cost-effective in China.

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China.

The mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between diabetes self-management ability and patient activation in older adults with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of diabetes self-management ability in older patients with type 2 diabetes and analyse its relationship with patient activation. Besides, the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between the two was assessed in the study.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, 200 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited from the community of Yangzhou, China. The Patient Activation Measure (PAM), The Self-efficacy for Diabetes (SED), and The Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure (SDSCA) were used in the questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 and PROCESS macro.

RESULTS

Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation (p< 0.01) between diabetes self-management ability and patient activation (r=0.312) and self-efficacy (r=0.367). Self-efficacy partially mediated the effect between patient activation and self-management ability in older patients with type 2 diabetes, and the mediating effect accounted for 49.33% of the total effect (p< 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients with type 2 diabetes in the community have a moderate level of self-management ability. Patient activation can improve patients' self-management ability through self-efficacy.

Effect of Pharmacist-Led Interventions on Medication Adherence and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Study from the Chinese Population

PURPOSE

Medication adherence plays an important role in glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self-management. To analyze the factors influencing medication adherence in T2DM patients and the effect of pharmacist-led interventions, we conducted a study in Beijing, China.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

T2DM patients with hypoglycemic drugs for at least 6 months were enrolled. A pharmacist-led survey was conducted followed by individualized interventions for those non-adherent patients monthly within 3 months. FPG, HbA1c, and 2hPG were measured as the comprehensive glycemic control. Medication adherence was determined according to the patient's self-reported compliance with prescribed medication during the last 3 months.

RESULTS

A total of 763 T2DM patients were included. The average age was 63.26±11.89 years, with 363 males. After pharmacist intervention, the patients with good adherence increased from 34.21% to 39.06%, while poor adherence decreased from 32.5% to 24.5% (p < 0.001). The average adherence score was a significant increase (p < 0.001) from 27.846±4.185 to 29.831±7.065. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that pharmacist-led interventions significantly increased glycemic control (FPG from 42.33% to 53.60%, p < 0.001; 2hPG from 41.68% to 48.75%, p = 0.005; HbA1c from 24.12% to 29.23%, p = 0.024). The results found that body mass index (OR 0.643, 95% CI 0.437-0.945), use of medications empirically (occasionally (OR=3.066, 95% CI 2.069-4.543); often (OR=2.984, 95% CI 1.107-8.044)), following the doctor's advice to visit (OR 2.129, 95% CI 1.079-4.202) and lifestyle compliance (OR 2.835, 95% CI 1.094-7.346) were the independent risk factors of non-adherence (p < 0.05), the area under the ROC curve was 0.716.

CONCLUSION

Self-reported medication adherence and glycemic control in T2DM patients were poor which can be improved by pharmacist-led interventions. Interventions should focus on empirical medication behavior, non-adherence to lifestyle, and failure to follow the doctor's advice. The recall bias with self-reported results needs further objective data to verify.

Social support criteria in vascularized composite allotransplantation versus solid organ transplantation: Should the same ethical considerations apply?

The field of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is evolving, with some procedures poised to transition from highly experimental research toward standard of care. At present, the use of social support as an eligibility criterion for VCA candidacy is at the discretion of individual VCA programs, allowing VCA teams to consider the unique needs of each potential candidate. Yet this flexibility also creates potential for bias during the evaluation process which may disproportionately impact members of certain communities where social configurations may not resemble the model considered "optimal." We examine the extent to which ethical considerations for social support in solid organ transplantation (SOT) may be applied to or adapted for VCA, and the ethically meaningful ways in which VCA procedures differ from SOT. We conclude that VCA programs must retain some flexibility in determining criteria for candidacy at present; however, considerations of equity will become more pressing as VCA procedures evolve toward standard of care, and further empirical evidence will be needed to demonstrate the association between social support and post-operative success. The field of VCA has an opportunity to proactively address considerations of equity and justice and incorporate fair, inclusive practices into this innovative area of transplantation.

Effectiveness of a Health Coaching Intervention for Patient-Family Dyads to Improve Outcomes Among Adults With Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

More than 75% of US adults with diabetes do not meet treatment goals. More effective support from family and friends ("supporters") may improve diabetes management and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the Caring Others Increasing Engagement in Patient Aligned Care Teams (CO-IMPACT) intervention improves patient activation, diabetes management, and outcomes compared with standard care.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This randomized clinical trial was conducted from November 2016 to August 2019 among participants recruited from 2 Veterans Health Administration primary care sites. All patient participants were adults aged 30 to 70 years with diabetes who had hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels greater than 8% of total hemoglobin (to convert to proportion of total hemoglobin, multiply by 0.01) or systolic blood pressure (SBP) higher than 150 mm Hg; each participating patient had an adult supporter. Of 1119 recruited, 239 patient-supporter dyads were enrolled between November 2016 and May 2018, randomized 1:1 to receive the CO-IMPACT intervention or standard care, and followed up for 12 to 15 months. Investigators and analysts were blinded to group assignment.

INTERVENTIONS

Patient-supporter dyads received a health coaching session focused on dyadic information sharing and positive support techniques, then 12 months of biweekly automated monitoring telephone calls to prompt dyadic actions to meet diabetes goals, coaching calls to help dyads prepare for primary care visits, and after-visit summaries. Standard-care dyads received general diabetes education materials only.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Intent-to-treat analyses were conducted according to baseline dyad assignment. Primary prespecified outcomes were 12-month changes in Patient Activation Measure-13 (PAM-13) and UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) 5-year diabetes-specific cardiac event risk scores. Secondary outcomes included 12-month changes in HbA1c levels, SBP, diabetes self-management behaviors, diabetes distress, diabetes management self-efficacy, and satisfaction with health system support for the involvement of family supporters. Changes in outcome measures between baseline and 12 months were analyzed using linear regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 239 dyads enrolled; among patient participants, the mean (SD) age was 60 (8.9) years, and 231 (96.7%) were male. The mean (SD) baseline HbA1c level was 8.5% (1.6%) and SBP was 140.2 mm Hg (18.4 mm Hg). A total of 168 patients (70.3%) lived with their enrolled supporter; 229 patients (95.8%) had complete 12-month outcome data. In intention-to-treat analyses vs standard care, CO-IMPACT patients had greater 12-month improvements in PAM-13 scores (intervention effect, 2.60 points; 95% CI, 0.02-5.18 points; P = .048) but nonsignificant differences in UKPDS 5-year cardiac risk (intervention effect, 1.01 points; 95% CI, -0.74 to 2.77 points; P = .26). Patients in the CO-IMPACT arm also had greater 12-month improvements in healthy eating (intervention effect, 0.71 d/wk; 95% CI, 0.20-1.22 d/wk; P = .007), diabetes self-efficacy (intervention effect, 0.40 points; 95% CI, 0.09-0.71 points; P = .01), and satisfaction with health system support for the family supporter participants' involvement (intervention effect, 0.28 points; 95% CI, 0.07-0.49 points; P = .009); however, the 2 arms had similar improvements in HbA1c levels and in other measures.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this randomized clinical trial, the CO-IMPACT intervention successfully engaged patient-supporter dyads and led to improved patient activation and self-efficacy. Physiological outcomes improved similarly in both arms. More intensive direct coaching of supporters, or targeting patients with less preexisting support or fewer diabetes management resources, may have greater impact.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02328326.

Non-adherence to medication and associated factors among type 2 diabetes patients at Clinique Medicale Fraternite, Rwanda: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Type 2 Diabetes Miletus (T2DM) is a public health burdens that alarmingly increases and leads to morbidity and mortality over the last decades globally. Its management is multifaceted and adherence to diabetic medications plays great roles in life of T2DM patients. But epidemiology on adherence and its associated factors remain unknown in Rwanda. Therefore, this study determined the extent of non-adherence and its predictors among T2DM patients seeking healthcare services at the Clinique Medicale la Fraternite.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study among 200 adults' patients with T2DM receiving care in the Medicale la Fraternite clinic was investigated. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed based on odds ratio employed to examine associated predictors of non-adherence. The cut-off value for all statistical significances tests were considered at p < 0.05 with 95% for the confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Overall, more than a half of T2DM patients (53.5%) had poor medication adherence. Being females [OR = 2.1, 95%CI(1.13-3.71), p = 0.002], consuming anti-diabetic drugs for 4-10 years [OR = 2.18, 95%CI(1.09-4.34), p = 0.027], experiencing poor communication with healthcare providers [OR = 2.4; 95%CI (1.36-4.25), p = 0.003] and being perceived as burden of the family [OR = 5.8; 95%CI(1.3-25.7), p < 0.021] had higher odds of non-adherence to anti-diabetic medications. Those with poor HbA1C [OR = 4.26; 95%CI(1.7-10.67), p = 0.002] had 4.26 times higher odds to be non-adherent compared to those with good HbA1C. Respondents with primary [OR = 3.56; 95%CI (1.12-11.28), p = 0.031] and secondary education [OR = 2.96; 95%CI (1.11-7.87), p = 0.03] were more likely to be non-adherent than those with informal education respectively. Those with normal BMI [OR = 5.17; 95%CI(1.63-16.37), p = 0.005] and those with overweight or obese [OR = 3.6; 95%CI (1.04-9.1), p < 0.02] had higher odds of being non-adherent than those with underweight.

CONCLUSION

Sex, glycaemia, communication with healthcare providers, education and gycosylated hemoglobin were the major predictors of non-adherence. Interventions for tackling this problem through bringing together efforts to stem this epidemic and controlling predictors of non-adherence are urgently recommended.

Risk Factors for Non-Adherence to Medications That Affect Surgery: A Retrospective Study in Japan

PURPOSE

Data on risk factors for non-adherence to doctors' and pharmacists' instructions to discontinue medications prior to surgery are lacking. This study aimed to identify characteristics and risk factors for such non-adherent patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data (including patient age, sex, prescription medications, comorbidities, presence of roommate at home, and number of days between receiving instruction and surgery) of 887 patients who used medications affecting surgery at a university hospital from April 2017 to March 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. The primary endpoint was to investigate the rate of non-adherence and to explore independent risk factors for non-adherence (with age categorized as ≥65 [versus <65] years). Secondary endpoints included analysis of limited number of departments subgroup and a sensitivity analysis (with age categorized as ≥75 [versus <75] years) to confirm the robustness of the primary endpoint results. Independent risk factors for non-adherence were identified using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The non-adherence rate was 11.4% (n=101/887), median age (interquartile range) at admission was 73 (70-79) years, and proportion of male patients was 81.2% (n=82). The main analysis adjusted for age ≥65 (versus <65) years showed age as a risk factor for increased non-adherence (adjusted odds ratio: 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.09-4.05; p=0.027). However, analyses adjusted for departments (other than urology, gynecology, and breast surgery, with a large sex bias in hospitalized patients) and for age ≥75 (versus <75) years showed no such risk.

CONCLUSION

Age ≥65 years was associated with a higher risk of non-adherence to medications that should be discontinued before surgery. It is important for doctors and pharmacists to ensure that patients at high risk for non-adherence are aware of the importance of adherence. Our findings may help identify patients at high risk for non-adherence to such medications.