Effect of implementing an extended parallel process model on adherence to a medication regimen of the type 2 diabetic elderly

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the elderly. Adherence to a medication regimen plays an important role in preventing and controlling the effects of this disease. Theory-based training programs have a vital role in changing behaviors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extended parallel process model (EPPM) on adherence to the medication regimen of the type 2 diabetic elderly.

This experimental study was performed on 60 diabetic elderly patients in two experimental and control groups in Gonbad City in 2019 via simple random sampling. The data were collected using Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). In the experimental group, six 30-45-minute training sessions were held based on Kim Wittechr('39')s EPPM. The control group received routine care. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 with descriptive statistics (table, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent sample t-test, independent t-test and ANCOVA).

The results showed no significant difference in the experimental and control groups before the intervention (p=0.2), but no significant difference was observed after the intervention (p=0.04). Moreover, ANCOVA indicated a significant difference by removing the effect of pre-test (p=0.004, Eta=0.13) so that 13% of changes in adherence to the medication regimen could be developed based on the implementation of the EPPM.

The results suggested that the EPPM increased adherence to the medication regimen in diabetic elderly patients. Therefore, the findings of this study can be used as a low-cost but effective therapeutic intervention in the education and care of diabetic patients.