Relationship Between Mental Health and Pharmacological Adherence in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chimbote, Peru

Pérez J.I.G.; Saavedra E.F.C.; Alfaro C.E.R.; Gómez A.A.R. · Revista Cubana de Medicina General Integral (2026)

Resumen

Introduction: Medication adherence is a public health problem that leads to hospitalizations and reduces the quality of life of patients with diabetes. Objective: To determine the relationship between mental health and medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chimbote, Peru. Methods: A quantitative and descriptive approach with a cross-sectional correlational design was used. The sample consisted of 110 diabetic patients obtained through simple random sampling. The following questionnaires were used: the General Health Questionnaire – 12 (mental health) and a treatment adherence scale. Spearman's rho test was used with a significance level of 0.05. Results: 64.5 % presented a moderate state of mental health, and 74.5 % were non-adherent to pharmacological treatment. A direct and significant correlation was found between medication adherence and mental health, as well as with the dimensions of general dysphoria, social dysfunction, and loss of confidence. Conclusions: Greater stability in the mental health status of patients with diabetes is associated with a higher likelihood of adequate adherence to their medication regimen.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo; Universidad César Vallejo