Demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors associated with insulin adherence among Filipino adults with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Insulin adherence supports glycemic control and is influenced by behavioral and psychosocial factors, yet evidence among Filipino adults remains limited. This study examined associations between demographic characteristics, self-management constructs, and insulin adherence among Filipino adults on insulin therapy. A cross-sectional survey involved outpatients at a Level 2 private hospital. A ten-item, insulin-adapted, MyMAATderived instrument assessed medication-taking behavior, perceived utility, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy/social support. Scores were reverse-coded, with higher values indicating better adherence responses. Associations were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation and exploratory multivariable linear regression. Among 110 participants, 52 had type 1 diabetes mellitus and 58 had type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mean insulin adherence score was 3.75 ± 0.66. Construct scores correlated positively with the composite: selfefficacy/social support (r = 0.8336), medication-taking behavior (r = 0.7709), perceived barriers (r = 0.7321), and perceived utility (r = 0.3526). These findings support patientcentered adherence assessment and counseling in pharmacy practice.