Abstract/Summary

Background There is no medication adherence scale available in Sindhi language currently. Hence, the Sindhi speaking population will either use a translator or provide their medical history in another language for documentation of medical conditions. This poses a challenge in monitoring and evaluating adherence to medications within this linguistic community. Aim The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Sindhi version of the General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS-S) in patients with chronic diseases. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 4 months duration and was conducted in out-patient department of a university affiliated hospital of Karachi, Pakistan. All adult patients with chronic diseases and who were on long-term medications, who were able to read and understand Sindhi language were invited. Convenience sampling was employed and the questionnaire consisting of demographic questions and the Sindhi version of GMAS was used. The translation of the scale was carried out. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted, and a structure equation model (SEM) was developed. Fit indices namely goodness of fit index (GFI), adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI), Tucker Lewis index (TLI), comparative fit index (CFI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) were reported. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha (α), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), corrected item-to-total correlation (ITC) and item deletion. Data were analysed through IBM SPSS version 23 and IBM AMOS version 25. The study obtained ethical clearance. Results A total of 150 responses were analysed. The reliability of the Sindhi version of GMAS was (α) = 0.696. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was reported at 0.696 (95% CI: 0.618 – 0.763). The values for the fit indices were as follows: χ2/df = 1.84, GFI = 0.918, TLI = 0.920, CFI = 0.942, AGFI = 0.864, and RMSEA = 0.075. All values except AGFI were in the acceptable ranges and indicated good fitness. Most patients (80.7%) appeared non-adherent to their medications. Conclusion The results of the study demonstrate that the Sindhi version of the GMAS is a valid and reliable adherence scale to measure adherence in Sindhi speaking patients with chronic diseases.