The Relationship between Cognitive Appraisal and Adherence to Medical Regimens in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Non-adherence to medical regimen has remained a challenge to the medical profession as well as to social sciences. To achieve positive results, the factors negatively impacting patient adherence to medical regimens (i.e., diet, drug and exercise regimen) must be scrutinized in detail. The objective of this research was to explore the relationship between cognitive appraisal and adherence to medical regimens in type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods: In this correlational study, 218 type 2 diabetes patients receiving treatment at the Diabetes Clinic affiliated with Gonabad University of Medical Sciences were selected through non-probability (convenience) sampling from April 2012 to May 2013. Two valid and reliable questionnaires of cognitive appraisal and adherence to medical regimens were completed by each patient. The data were analyzed using SPSS ver 13.

Results: A relationship was observed between perceived cognitive and adherence to some aspects of medical regimen. Also direct relationship was observedbetween perceived cognitive in form challenge and adherence of diet in patients with diabetes. There was no statistically significant relationship between aspects of cognitive appraisal and adherence to the drug regimen.

Conclusion: The results suggest that interventions undertaken to improve adherence to medical regimen, particularly to drug regimen in patients with type 2 diabetes, should be focused on enriching cognitive appraisal. Nurses need to help patients perceive diabetes as less of a threat and in fact should empower them, so as to look upon it as more of a challenge.

Keywords: Cognitive; Diabetes mellitus; Patient adherence; Psychology.