Memory complaints moderate the concordance between self-report and electronically monitored adherence in adults with type 2 diabetes

J Diabetes Complications. 2022 Jul;36(7):108205. doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2022.108205. Epub 2022 May 2.

Abstract

Aims: We examined the impact of memory complaints on the concordance between self-report (SR) and electronically monitored (EM) medication adherence, independent of depression symptoms, among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: Adults (N = 104, age = 56.6 ± 9.2; 64% female) completed a prospective and retrospective memory questionnaire (PRMQ) and a depression symptom interview at baseline. EM was tracked over 3 months and participants rated adherence using SR. Multiple linear regression evaluated PRMQ as a moderator of the relationship between EM and SR, adjusting for depression and other covariates.

Results: PRMQ was correlated with lower SR (r = -0.31, p = 0.001), but not with EM. PRMQ moderated the relationship between SR and EM, independent of depression symptoms. At low levels of PRMQ, SR and EM were closely related (β = 0.76, p < 0.001); at high levels of PRMQ the relationship was weaker (β = 0.28, p = 0.02). Participants who under-reported their adherence (SR < EM) had higher PRMQ scores than more concordant reporters (p = 0.016).

Conclusions: SR and EM measures were less concordant among adults with T2D who endorsed higher PRMQ scores. Memory complaints may contribute to under-reporting of medication adherence in adults with T2D.

Keywords: Depression symptoms; Electronically recorded memory complaints; Medication adherence; Self-report; Type 2 diabetes; Validity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Self Report
  • Surveys and Questionnaires