Access to medications and intermediate markers of health outcomes of a clinic population of patients with diabetes
O'Dell, K.; O'Dell, M.; Taylor, J.
Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association 49(6): 170-173
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-6396 PMID: 19295040 Document Number: 621963
This study is a correlational analysis of the efficacy of a Medication Assistance Program (MAP) on intermediate physiologic markers of health outcomes of patients with diabetes, specifically blood pressure, HBA1c, and lipid levels. The sample included 72 patients enrolled in a MAP and 854 patients not enrolled in a MAP and with a diagnosis of diabetes whose key elements of care are tracked in a registry. RESULTS. For established clinic patients, when compared to MAP patients, the MAP group had a small but statistically significant lower mean systolic blood pressure and higher HbA1c. Comparing MAP patients new to the program and those that were established in the program, there were no significant differences on blood pressure, HbA1c, and lipid level. Provision of medication alone is certainly necessary, but may not be sufficient, to address health outcomes for impoverished populations.