P-43 Factors Influencing Adherence To Pharmacologic Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Public Primary Healthcare Clinics In Barbados: The Role of Social Inequalities In An Advancing Technologica

Methods: A qualitative research methodology, informed by an interpretivist philosophical paradigm was used. 52 semi-structured in-depth interviews amongst low-socioeconomic patients living with T2DM in Barbados was conducted via a virtual platform. The interviews which were recorded lasted approximately 30-45 minutes each and they were subsequently transcribed using a modified verbatim process. Inductive coding was performed and thematic content analysis using constant comparison, was carried out by the researcher with assistance from the ATLAS.ti version 9 software programme.

Results: Four basic themes emerged as factors affecting pharmacological adherence: the bio-psycho-social perspective of the patients living with T2DM, barriers to T2DM treatment, the effects that the T2DM treatments caused and the need for a patient-centred health system. Many technological features were described, however some elderly participants were not familiar with smart-phone technology and therefore more innovative strategies is needed for this population. All the results converged towards the global theme implying that the need for a patient-centred T2DM management approach.

Conclusion: The patient-centred T2DM management should be the main focus for public health measures and strategies in Barbados. Several factors, including social inequalities, have influenced the pharmacological adherence to T2DM treatments and hence targeted strategies are needed.