Assessment of Polypharmacy among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Diabetes Center of Excellence: Patterns and Associated Factors

Polypharmacy in Type 2 Diabetes at KATH

Abstract

Background: Polypharmacy, the use of five or more medications, is often associated with the management of chronic conditions, particularly Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with polypharmacy in T2DM patients.

Method: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at the Diabetes Centre of Excellence, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana, one of West Africa's largest tertiary hospitals and referral centres, to assess polypharmacy among individuals with T2DM. The study included 346 patients aged 40 years or older, following ethical approval. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (p < 0.05) using SPSS.

Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of polypharmacy (72.25%) among participants, influenced by gender, age (especially over 70), and employment status. Significant (p<0.05) comorbidities linked to polypharmacy included hyperlipidemia (86.67%), infectious diseases (79.07%), macrovascular complications (76.98%), and neuropathy (90.48%). The study also found significant associations (p<0.05) between polypharmacy and the use of analgesics (87.50%), anti-neuropathy medications (58.82%), antiplatelet/coagulant medications (93.83%), antibiotics (28.57%), antihypertensive medications (74.15%), lipid-lowering medications (79.17%), and other non-diabetes medications (88.89%).

Conclusion: The 72.5% prevalence of polypharmacy among the participants provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between comorbidities and polypharmacy in T2DM. The study recommends a multidisciplinary approach, including establishing a comprehensive diabetes registry and implementing medication therapy management (MTM) programs to optimise patient treatment.