Korean J Fam Pract.  2025 Mar;15(1):47-53. 10.21215/kjfp.2025.15.1.47.

Types of Usual Source of Care and Medication Adherence in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

• Choi YE
• Sung NJ

• KMID: 2565939
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2025.15.1.47

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have shown various positive associations between the usual source of care (USC) and medication adherence in chronic diseases. However, no studies specifically on patients with diabetes have been conducted in Korea. This study examined the association between the USC type and medication adherence in patients with diabetes.
Methods
Data from the 2021 Korea Health Panel Survey were used. The final sample comprised 1,493 participants aged ≥20 years. The types of USC were categorized into three groups: no USC, place only (without a regular doctor [RD]), and RD. Medication adherence was assessed using detailed items (dose, frequency, time, and discontinuation) and a four-point Likert scale. Logistic regression analysis was conducted with adjustment for control variables.
Results
The odds ratios (ORs) for overall medication adherence were significantly higher in the RD group at 1.66 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15– 2.40) than in the no-USC group. No significant difference was observed in the place-only group at 0.73 (95% CI, 0.49–1.09). The ORs for medication adherence for each item (dosage, frequency, and timing) were also significantly higher in the RD group (2.21, 1.95, and 1.67, respectively). No statistically significant differences in these parameters were observed in the place-only group.
Conclusion
The presence of an RD positively affected medication adherence in patients with diabetes, but the presence of place-only did not. These findings emphasize the importance of an RD for medication adherence.

Keyword

Usual Source of Care; Regular Doctor; Medication Adherence; Diabetes Mellitus; Korea Health Panel