Abstract

Medication adherence and racial differences in diabetes in the USA: an update

Author(s): Alyce S Adams, Somalee Banerjee & Carolyn J Ku

Rates of diabetes medication adherence are suboptimal among disparities populations. This review explores the latest evidence regarding racial and ethnic differences in medication adherence. We conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed database for articles published between January 2007 and June 2014. We included observational and interventional studies exploring racial and ethnic differences in medication adherence in diabetes. Of the studies, 38 met inclusion criteria and provided consistent evidence of persistent disparities in adherence. Potential mediators included health literacy, medication concerns and medication costs. There is a paucity of evidence regarding successful strategies to reduce disparities in adherence and outcomes. More well-designed experiments and quasi-experiments designed to address potential mediators of disparities in adherence are needed.