The Impact of Family Support on Medication Adherence and Glycemic Control of Type 2 Diabetes Outpatients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Diabetes management rarely target family support as a means of promoting diabetes self-care behaviour among adults. The potential influence of family member on individuals with Type 2 diabetes has not been fully explored. The study aims to examine the impact of family support on medication adherence and glycemic control of their Type 2 diabetes out-patients in a tertiary hospital.Methods: The study was a prospective cross-sectional survey conducted on Type 2 diabetes out-patients attending endocrinology clinic at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) between October 2013 and April 2014. The Diabetes Family Behavioral Checklist (DFBC-13) was used to assess family support while the MMAS-8 (Morisky medication Adherence Scale) was used to assess medication adherence. Fasting blood glucose readings were obtained from patients’ case files.Data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences) version 16 and level of statistical significance set at p<0.05. Result:  A total number of 250 patients were assessed. The mean score for family support was 42 of 65 (range 13 to 65). Family support score (diet, glucose, exercise, diabetic self-care) associated with educational status (socio-demographic characteristics) r = 0.171** p = 0.007. Family support was inversely correlated to adherence and glycemic control (-0.161**, P = 0.011, r = -0.098, p = 0.147) respectively. Medication adherence was low as only 1.6% of the respondents adhered to their medication.Conclusion: Family support had little influence on medication adherence and glycemic control.