A randomized controlled trial on the effect of behavioral strategies for adherence to oral antidiabetic drugs: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Non-adherence to oral antidiabetics drugs (OADs) has been a common problem and may contribute to poor glycemic control.

AIM: To describe an experimental study protocol that aims at implementing and evaluating the effect of the "action planning and coping planning" interventions on medication adherence to OADs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in follow-up at primary care services.

DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial.

METHODS: Two groups (intervention and control) will be followed over a period of 105 days. The intervention group will receive a combination of the "action planning" and "coping planning" intervention strategies. There will be in-person meetings and phone calls to reinforce the intervention. The control group will receive the usual care from the health unit.

CONCLUSIONS: It is hoped that this study will help health professionals to improve their approach with patients who have T2DM in relation to medication adherence.