Abstract

*Syed Ahmed Arshad and Prof. Jamal Ara

ABSTRACT

Aim; To determine the frequency of non-adherence to diet, medication and physical activity as a factor in the management of diabetic and hypertensive adult patients. Methodology; Cross sectional, observational one month study conducted on 100 adults who were diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension or both at Creek General Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from December 2018 to January 2019. Non adherence to diet, physical activity and prescribed medicines was noted. A reason of non-compliance was explored. Results: Out of 100 subjects 44 were male (44%) and 56 consisted of females (56%). The results showed that 26 (26%) of the adults were diagnosed with diabetes, 39 (39%) of the patients were hypertensive and 35(35%) of the adults were diagnosed with both. Noncompliance to physical activity was 59%, to diet it was 42% and to medicine it was 36%. Males were more non-compliant to diet and medicines, while females were to physical activity. Regarding age groups, the elderly were most noncompliant to diet and medicine, while the middle age were to physical activity. Among reasons of noncompliance to any of the modality, being busy/lack of time was most prevalent (21%), followed by the lack of financial means (21%). Conclusion: Non-adherence to diet, medication and physical activity is a challenging factor in the management of diabetic and hypertensive patients.