Validation of the Chinese version of the eight-item Morisky medication adherence scale in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background/PurposeThe aim of the present study is to validate the Chinese version 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted. After translation, a convenience sample of 182 patients with T2DM complete the Chinese version MMAS-8, and medication adherence visual analogue scale. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach α were calculated to determine reliability and internal consistency, respectively. Validity was confirmed using convergent, known group, and construct validity.ResultsThe internal consistency determined by Cronbach α was 0.65. Test–retest reliability expressed by intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.80. A positive correlation was observed between Chinese version MMAS-8 and medication adherence visual analogue scale (r = 0. 75, p < 0.01). A significant relationship between MMAS-8 categories and HbA1c categories (χ2 = 21.63; p < 0.001) was found. Factor analysis showed that the MMAS had two dimensions: forgetting to take medications and the complexity of drug regimen; and stopping medication.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the MMAS-8 is a reliable and valid measure of medication adherence that can now be used in type 2 diabetic patients.