Adherence patterns to cardiovascular medications in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study using group-based trajectory analysis in primary care

Abstract

Aim: To assess adherence to glucose-, lipid-, and blood pressure-lowering medications in people with T2DM and identify predictors of non-persistent adherence behaviours. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using primary care data from 2013 to 2023 for people diagnosed with T2DM. Medication adherence was assessed over 60 months, defined as receiving at least one prescription every six months. Group-Based Trajectory Analysis (GBTA) identified adherence patterns. Multinomial logistic regression explored predictors of trajectory membership. Results: Three consistent adherence trajectories were observed across all medication classes: persistent adherence (40.6 %–44.3 %), gradual de..