Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases, especially diabetes mellitus and hypertension (HTN), are a growing menace and public health problem. Optimal management of these diseases involves individuals adopting healthy lifestyle and complying with prescribed medications.Objectives: This study aims to assess the control rate, adherence to therapy and knowledge regarding risk factors, symptoms and complications of HTN and DM among hypertension and diabetes workers in a tea plantation in South India.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 203 plantation workers with prior diagnosis of diabetes and/or HTN. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to capture the sociodemographic details, knowledge of disease, and its complications and comorbidity status. Medication adherence rating scale (MARS) was administered to document adherence and worker’s records were reviewed to assess the control of diabetes and/or HTN.
Results: Among the 99 diabetics interviewed, 64 (64.6%) had good control of diabetes (having a random blood sugar value of <200 mg/dl) and 65 (48.8%) of the 135 hypertensives had good control of HTN (having a blood pressure reading of <140/90 mm of Hg). Majority of the participants, 92.1% had low awareness regarding risk factors and disease complications. The mean MARS score in this study was 9.01 ± 0.14.Conclusion: The level of adherence to medications was found to be high despite low awareness regarding risk factors and complications which may have resulting in moderate disease control levels.