Iranian Journal of War and Public Health

Aims: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic situation requiring effective self-management and medicinal medication adherence to save complications and improve patient consequences. Despite its significance, many patients struggle with those factors, which are influenced by different factors and health literacy. The study aimed to investigate the association between diabetes self-management and medication adherence among diabetic patients.

Instrument & Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Babylon Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Iraq, from September 2024 to February 2025. Three hundred twenty-eight diabetic patients were recruited using convenience sampling. The data collection process used included the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire and Medication Adherence Report Scale, each tested as a tool. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical approaches, with Pearson correlation and regression analysis performed to explore the relationships between variables.

Findings: Participants exhibited moderate self-management (63.1%) and high medication adherence (58.8%). A statistically significant correlation was determined between diabetes self-management and medication adherence (r=0.622; p<0.001). Regression analysis indicated that superior self-management substantially predicted higher adherence. Age, gender, education, and earnings were recognized as influencing factors (p<0.05).

Conclusion: There is a moderate level of diabetes management and good adherence to treatment in Babylon province, Iraq, that vary globally due to factors such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and education.