COMPLIANCE TO TREATMENT REGIMEN AND THE PREVALENCE OF COMPLICATIONS AMONG PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL, BAFOUSSAM

Gewun Braindaline, Dr. Fankep Bertin, Dr. Lukong Hubert Shalanyuy*, Dr. Tanlaka Lucas Mengnjo,
Leonard Nyuyseni Randze, Wam Elvis Chongsi, Assimba Myriam Jemima

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with persistent hyperglycaemia and an
increased risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications. In Cameroon, poor adherence to treatment
regimens contributes to suboptimal glycaemic control and a high prevalence of complications. This study aimed to
assess compliance to treatment regimens, identify associated socio-demographic and behavioral factors, and
determine the prevalence of diabetes-related complications among patients at the Regional Hospital of Bafoussam.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2023, recruiting 302 consenting diabetic
patients. Data on demographics, treatment adherence (Morisky scale), lifestyle practices, and complications were
collected via structured questionnaires, with fasting blood glucose (FBG) and BMI measured. Compliance was
classified as poor (0–4), moderate (5–7), or good (8–10). Associations between compliance, socio-demographics,
and complications were tested using Chi-square and Pearson correlation, with significance at p<0.05. Results: Of
302 participants, 68.2% were female, and 41.4% were aged 56–65 years. Moderate compliance was observed in
76.5% of patients, while poor and good compliance were 9.3% and 14.2%, respectively (χ² = 254.41, p < 0.001).
Compliance was significantly associated with age (χ² = 25.713, p = 0.004), educational level (χ² = 32.192, p =
0.001; r = 0.60), and occupation (χ² = 65.185, p = 0.001). Controlled FBG (<131 mg/dL) was achieved in 54% of
participants, while 46% had hyperglycemia (p = 0.029). Most participants (78.8%) reported at least one
complication, including visual disturbance (21.2%), neuropathy (20.2%), foot ulcers/poor wound healing (7.0%),
and hypoglycemia (8.3%). A significant association was observed between compliance level and complications (χ²
= 45.565, p = 0.034), with severe outcomes such as stroke (1.0%) and amputation (0.3%) occurring primarily in
moderately compliant patients. Patient-related barriers included financial constraints (43.4%, p = 0.002),
forgetfulness (8.3%, p = 0.015), and inadequate knowledge (7.3%, p = 0.018), while health system barriers
included drug stockouts (26.2%, p = 0.001), high service fees (17.2%, p = 0.004), and inadequate personnel
(15.2%, p = 0.006). Conclusion: Moderate compliance is common among diabetic patients in Bafoussam, but
partial adherence is associated with a high prevalence of complications. Socio-demographic factors (age, education,
occupation) and both patient- and system-level barriers significantly influence adherence. Interventions targeting
patient education, financial support, and health system strengthening are crucial for improving glycaemic control
and reducing diabetes-related complcations.

Keywords: Compliance, Treatment Regimen, Prevalence of Complications, Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Regional Hospital Bafoussam.