Analysis of the Effect of Therapeutic Adherence on Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the most important chronic non-communicable diseases that seriously threatens well-being, as it has become a significant health burden due to its high incidence, mortality, and secondary disability. Recent studies suggest that adherence to a treatment regimen associated with metabolic control of diabetes can reduce disease-related morbidity and mortality, while also increasing patients' quality of life, which is impaired by the chronic nature of the disease and multi-organ involvement. Objective: To analyze the effect of therapeutic adherence on quality of life in patients with T2D attending the outpatient clinic of the Guanajuato General Hospital, Mexico. Study Design: Observational, cross-sectional, quantitative, analytical, and prolific study. Study site and date: The study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of Hospital General Guanajuato, Mexico, in patients with T2D, from January to April 2025. Methodology: Patients attending the outpatient clinic of Guanajuato General Hospital, Mexico, from January to April 2025, were invited to participate. Data such as weight, height, and blood pressure were collected; in addition, two questionnaires were administered: one to measure therapeutic adherence and another to assess health-related quality of life. Medical records were also reviewed to determine glycated hemoglobin levels, and participants who did not have a report within the last 1 month were asked to retest. Results: The sample consisted of 100 patients diagnosed with T2D, of both sexes and aged 30 to 87 years. No statistically significant relationship was found between therapeutic adherence and health-related quality of life (X2 = 0.83; p = 0.36). Furthermore, the data indicated that variables such as age (OR = 1.61; p = 0.03), marital status (OR 1.34; p = 0.06), education (OR = 1.98; p = 0.045), and the presence of microvascular complications (OR 1.24; p = 0.0005) improved the multivariable model and acted as confounders. Conclusion: In accordance with the study's objective, this investigation's findings indicate that there is no statistically significant relationship between therapeutic adherence and quality of life in patients with T2D. Future research should consider confounding variables to improve the association model.