ABSTRACT:

Background: Type II diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production. It is a globally prevalent condition that, if not properly managed, can result in serious health complications. Effective drug therapy is essential in the management of diabetes, as it helps regulate blood glucose levels and significantly lowers the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Objective: To assess drug therapy problems and their contributing factors among ambulatory patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus attending Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among ambulatory patients with Type II diabetes at Zewditu Memorial Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which included demographic details, medical history, medication profiles, and patient-reported drug therapy problems. Medical records were also reviewed to obtain objective data on drug therapy issues. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS to identify patterns and associations related to drug therapy problems.
Result: 248 patients participated in the study, with more than half being females (172, 69.4%). The average age of the participants was 59.17 ± 14.68 years, with 88 patients (35.5%) aged 60 years or older. Most patients were married (185, 74.6%). A significant portion, 220 patients (88.7%), lived in Addis Ababa. One-third of the participants (82, 33.0%) had at least a college-level education, and 172 (69.3%) were employed. Only nine patients (3.6%) were active smokers, and 45 (18.1%) were regular alcohol consumers.
Conclusion: This study underscores the high occurrence of drug therapy problems (DTPs) and emphasizes the need to address co-existing health conditions in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) to minimize DTPs. To enhance treatment outcomes, healthcare professionals should prioritize thorough assessments and personalized care plans for patients with multiple health issues. Future research should aim to address the current study’s limitations and explore effective approaches to reduce DTPs in patients with co-morbidities, thereby improving overall patient care and quality of life.

KEYWORDS :

drug therapy problems, type II diabetes mellitus, ambulatory patients, contributing factors, prevalence.

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