Medication adherence, health-seeking behavior, and quality of life among informal caregivers of diabetic patients in Can Tho City, Vietnam

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to examine medication adherence, health-seeking behavior, and quality of life among informal caregivers of diabetic patients in Can Tho City, Vietnam, and to explore relationships among these variables. Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive-correlational design was conducted among 270 informal caregivers recruited by purposive sampling at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Research instrument: Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, adapted Barriers to Care Evaluation, and World Health Organization Quality of Life - Brief Version. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and path analysis. Results: Findings revealed that caregivers reported low levels of medication adherence (48.15%), low barriers to health-seeking behavior (55.19%), and moderate quality of life (47.8%). Significant positive correlation was found between medication adherence and quality of life (r = 0.55, p < 0.001), while health-seeking barriers were negatively associated with quality of life (r = -0.29, p < 0.001). Path analysis confirmed that medication adherence partially mediated the relationship between health-seeking behavior and quality of life with a significant direct effect (β = -0.154, p < 0.05), indirect effect (β = -0.137, p < 0.001), and total effect (β = -0.291, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Nursing professionals and health educators should implement targeted interventions that enhance medication adherence and reduce barriers to health-seeking behavior among caregivers