Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide, including Indonesia. Optimal management requires continuous pharmacological therapy, yet treatment outcomes are often hindered by poor patient knowledge and low adherence to antidiabetic medication. Although several studies have examined knowledge and adherence in T2DM, limited data are available from primary health centers in Bengkulu, especially in Kuala Lempuing Health Center, where irregular medication intake and poor disease control are still reported despite ongoing education programs. This study aimed to determine the relationship between patient characteristics, knowledge level, and adherence to antidiabetic medication among T2DM patients at Kuala Lempuing Health Center, Bengkulu City. This research employed an analytic quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach involving 53 respondents selected purposively from January to April 2024. Data on patient knowledge were collected using a validated 12-item questionnaire, while medication adherence was assessed using a modified Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Most respondents were female (77.36%), aged 51–68 years (66.04%), and had low education levels (56.60%). The majority had good knowledge (47%) and were categorized as adherent (45%). Chi-square analysis showed significant relationships between education level and knowledge (p = 0.033), as well as between education level and adherence (p = 0.023). Furthermore, a significant association was found between knowledge level and adherence (p = 0.043), indicating that patients with higher knowledge were more likely to comply with treatment. Education level plays a key role in determining both knowledge and adherence to antidiabetic therapy. Enhancing patient understanding through continuous health education and counseling is essential to improve adherence and optimize glycemic control among T2DM patients.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Knowledge, Adherence, Education