Drug-related problems and health-related quality of life in outpatients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study from Jordan

Objectives This study aimed to assess the different types of drug-related problems (DRPs) among diabetic patients and to study the effect of those DRPs on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of this population. Methods The current retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at outpatients' clinics at the Jordan University Hospital. During the study period, a total of 91 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Patients' medical information was used to assess the different DRPs and to evaluate their impact on the HRQoL evaluated using the Arabic EQ-5D tool. Key findings The mean age of study participants was 61.1 (SD = 8.8). Females represented 60.4% (n = 55) of them. A total of 571 DRPs were identified among the study participants (average 6.27, SD: 2.08; range 0-14). Lack of appropriate monitoring was the most common type of DRPs identified (30.6%, n = 175), followed by safety DRPs (22.1%, n = 126). The EQ-5D average score in this study was 0.6124 (SD: 0.3133). Regression statistical analysis indicated that non-adherence to non-pharmacological therapy was associated with poor EQ-5D scores (P-value <0.05), while indication DRPs were associated with better EQ-5D scores (P-value <0.05). Conclusions The number of DRPs among diabetic patients is high, and this represents a major concern that needs attention. Some of these DRPs were associated with poor HRQoL. Engaging pharmacists through pharmaceutical care service is needed to prevent those DRPs, which may ultimately improve patients HRQoL.