Associations between usual source of care characteristics and health outcomes in diabetes mellitus: a focus on medication adherence and healthy behaviors in Korea

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the associations between usual source of care (USC) characteristics, which incorporate primary care functions, and medication adherence and healthy behaviors in Korean adults with diabetes.METHODS: We used data from 1,543 adults with diabetes in the 2020 Korea Health Panel Survey. USC was categorized into 5 types based on whether a regular doctor was identified and whether that provider fulfilled comprehensiveness and coordination functions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations with medication adherence and healthy behaviors.RESULTS: A significant difference in medication adherence was observed by USC type, although no significant associations emerged for healthy behaviors (smoking, drinking, exercise). Compared to the group without a USC, patients whose regular doctor fulfilled either function were 2.38 times more likely to adhere (odds ratio [OR], 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.70 to 3.32), and those whose doctor fulfilled both functions were 1.84 times more likely to adhere (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.31 to 2.59). This association was particularly strong for adherence to medication dosage, frequency, and timing.CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore that the functional quality of the USC, particularly the fulfillment of comprehensiveness and coordination, is crucial in improving medication adherence. Simply having a USC is insufficient. The lack of association with healthy behaviors suggests that physicians may focus more on pharmacological control, highlighting the need for multifaceted interventions.