The association between diabetes knowledge and medication adherence among patients in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To assess the relationship between knowledge regarding diabetes and medication adherence among diabetic patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the diabetes, primary care and internal medicine clinics in King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over a period of six months (July 2024 - December 2024). Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire incorporating two validated scales: the simplified diabetes knowledge scale and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, applying the Chi-square test for categorical variables and Spearman's rank correlation to assess the relationship between knowledge and adherence. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05, with 95% confidence intervals. Results: The mean age was 51.1± 16.5 years, with 39.6% over 60. Males constituted 52.9% of the sample, and 66.9% were married. The majority (61.5%) had Type-II diabetes and good glycemic control (HbA1c < 8) (51.1%). A weak correlation was found between diabetes knowledge and medication adherence (r = 0.118, p = 0.115). Diabetes knowledge was good in 50.7% with a positive correlation with educational attainment (p = 0.000) and employment status (p = 0.042). Medication adherence was low in 32%, medium in 36.7% and high in 31.3%. Higher adherence rates were observed in patients with Type-II diabetes (p = 0.010) and those who have good glycemic control (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Although diabetes knowledge is important for promoting adherence, it is not sufficiently effective on its own to guarantee compliance. Targeted educational interventions, particularly for those with lower education, unemployment, or a recent diagnosis, may enhance adherence, improve outcomes and reduce the burden of diabetes in Saudi Arabia.