[Adherence to diabetes mellitus treatments in family health strategy units]

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the adherence to drug and non-drug treatments in 17 Family Health Strategy units. A total of 423 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected through stratified random sampling in Family Health Strategy units of a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2010. The results showed that the prevalence rate of adherence to drug therapy was higher than 60% in the 17 units investigated; in relation to physical activity, adherence was higher than 60% in 58.8% units; and for the diet plan, there was no adherence in 52.9% units. Therefore, we concluded that adherence to drug therapy in most units was high and the practice of physical activity was heterogeneous, and in relation to diet adherence, it was low in all units. We recommend strengthening of institutional guidelines and educational strategies, in line with SUS guidelines, so that, professionals may face the challenges imposed by the lack of adherence.