Introduction: Medication non-adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes contributes to poor glycemic control and increases the risk of complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of medication non-adherence and identify associated factors among Moroccan patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Endocrinology Department of Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco. A total of 329 adults with type 2 diabetes were included. Medication adherence was assessed using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Bivariate analysis was used to examine associations between adherence and sociodemographic, clinical, treatment-related, and behavioral factors.

Results: Low medication adherence was observed in 52.6% of participants, while 20.4% had moderate adherence and 27.1% had high adherence. Sociodemographic characteristics, including age, sex, marital status, and education, were not significantly associated with adherence. Poorer adherence was significantly associated with absence of therapeutic education (p=0.009), lack of self-monitoring of blood glucose (p<0.001), phytotherapy use (p=0.03), higher out-of-pocket medication costs (p=0.043), drug shortages in healthcare facilities (p=0.013), forgetfulness (p<0.001), absence of diabetic symptoms (p<0.001), and mistrust in physicians (p<0.001). Better adherence was associated with combined oral antidiabetic therapy and insulin, follow-up by a general physician (p=0.036), dietary compliance (p<0.001), and regular physical activity (p=0.021).

Conclusion: Medication non-adherence remains highly prevalent among patients with type 2 diabetes. Strengthening therapeutic education, improving medication access, and addressing behavioral and healthcare-related barriers may help improve adherence and long-term diabetes outcomes in Morocco.

Ibtisam Haidar is a PhD candidate in Health Sciences at Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco. Her research focuses on medication adherence, therapeutic patient education, diabetes self-management, and simulation-based educational interventions in adults with type 2 diabetes.