Effect of an 'implementation intention' intervention on adherence to oral anti-diabetic medication in Brazilians with type 2 diabetes

Patient Educ Couns. 2020 Mar;103(3):582-588. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.10.003. Epub 2019 Oct 4.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of an implementation intention intervention on adherence to an oral anti-diabetic medication regime, diabetes-related distress and on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A randomized, parallel-group, single-center controlled trial was conducted among adults with type 2 diabetes being managed at the primary care level. The intervention group (IG, n = 45) received an 'implementation intention' intervention; the control group (CG, n = 45) received standard care. Primary outcomes were the taking of oral anti-diabetic medication, global adherence and level of glycated hemoglobin. The secondary outcome was diabetes-related distress. Data were gathered at baseline and after 15 weeks.

Results: The IG showed improvements in adherence to an oral anti-diabetic medication regime (p < 0.0001), glycemic control (p < 0.0001) and diabetes-related distress (p < 0.0001) relative to the CG.

Conclusions: The implementation intention intervention enhanced adherence to an oral anti-diabetic medication regime, which had positive effects on blood glucose levels and diabetes-related distress.

Practice implications: Adherence to an oral anti-diabetic medication regime can decrease blood glucose levels and diabetes-related distress and thus reduce complications of type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: Hypoglycemic drugs; Medication adherence; Nursing; Randomized controlled trial; Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Glucose
  • Brazil
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / psychology
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Intention*
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence*
  • Middle Aged
  • Primary Health Care / methods
  • Self Care
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Hypoglycemic Agents