The Impact of a Hospital-Based "Food Pharmacy" Program on Glycemic Control and Medication Adherence in Low-Income Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Mali
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/ijhs.3483Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this article was to analyze the impact of a hospital-based "food pharmacy" program on glycemic control and medication adherence in low-income patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Hospital-based "food pharmacy" programs significantly improve glycemic control in low-income type 2 diabetes patients, with HbA1c reductions of 1.5-2.0%. They also enhance medication adherence by eliminating food-medication trade-offs and stabilizing self-management routines. This integrated approach effectively addresses both clinical and socioeconomic barriers to diabetes care.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social cognitive theory (SCT), the socio-ecological model (SEM) & the health capability paradigm may be used to anchor future studies on the the impact of a hospital-based "food pharmacy" program on glycemic control and medication adherence in low-income patients with type 2 diabetes. The most critical policy imperative is to secure permanent financing. Hospitals must routinely screen all Type 2 Diabetes patients for food insecurity at admission and during outpatient visits using validated tools. Advocacy must focus on integrating food pharmacy benefits into public and private insurance plans.
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