Factors Contributing to Medication Non-Adherence in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Medication adherence in Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) remains a critical issue, shaped by a wide range of behavioral, psychological, social, economic, and healthcare system factors. This literature review synthesizes evidence from 21 studies to identify the most prevalent barriers to adherence and the most commonly proposed interventions. A systematic approach, including the use of the PRISMA checklist, was applied to ensure comprehensive analysis. Behavioral and psychological factors were the most frequently reported barriers (23.1%), followed by knowledge and literacy limitations (20.5%), demographic and health-related influences (15.4%), healthcare system-related factors (12.8%), treatment complexity (10.3%), economic constraints (10.3%), and social and cultural factors (7.7%).

In response to these challenges, the review identified education and awareness interventions as the most frequently proposed solution (37.5%). Patient-provider communication and support strategies accounted for 27.5% of the recommendations, while psychological and social support interventions represented 20.0%. Policy and systemic reforms comprised the remaining 15.0%. These findings emphasize the importance of multidimensional strategies that integrate patient education, simplified treatment plans, supportive healthcare relationships, and system-level changes to improve medication adherence in T2D management.