Correlation between Illness Perception and Medication Adherence among Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to assess the level of illness perception and medication adherence among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a specific focus on understanding how these two factors may be related. This descriptive correlation study included all adult patients with T2DM attending the Jeddah Care Centre for Diabetes and Hypertension at King Abdulaziz Hospital between January and April 2022. Data were collected using a questionnaire that elicited sociodemographic and clinical information, and the Arabic versions of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation analysis were used for data analysis. A total of 365 patients were included (mean age: 50.9 ± 15.9 years), with the majority being female (53.4%). Overall, the level of medication adherence was moderate (mean score: 5.36 ± 1.73). Patients with lower medication adherence perceived the consequences of T2DM as more severe, had a stronger association with the illness identity, and experienced more intense emotional responses (for all, < 0.001). Conversely, patients with higher adherence had a greater sense of personal control, a stronger belief in treatment effectiveness, and a better understanding of the illness (for all, < 0.001). The study found a correlation between illness perception and medication adherence in patients with T2DM. Addressing patients' perceptions may enhance their ability to manage the condition more effectively.