Treatment Compliance of diabetic patients during the COVID - 19 epidemic: qualitative research from the patients perspective in Vietnam

Abstract

This qualitative study was conducted on 23 patients with type II diabetes in Vu Thu district, Thai Binh province in 2020 to describe treatment compliance of diabetic patients during the COVID-19 epidemic. Results showed that the monthly routine blood glucose examination of patients is affected by factors such as fear of epidemic, inability to arrange work. Not going to a monthly blood glucose check-up also affects the patient’s use of drugs such as not taking drugs, taking more drugs, or buying drugs voluntarily from outside. The COVID-19 epidemic also changes the lifestyle of the patient such as a change in exercise, Diet affects the outcome of treatment. Conclusion: Research shows that the COVID-19 epidemic has signifcant effects on diabetic patients: Effects on compliance with diabetes treatment (something that the patient needs to adhere to strictly): reduced periodic diabetes check-ups, limited exercise, do not use the drug due to not going to the doctor and having to buy drugs from outside, patient’s diet has not changed from before, but alcohol/beer use tends to increase due to pandemic