Factors associated with poor medication compliance in hypertensive patients

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite therapeutic advances, only one-third of patients achieve blood pressure targets. Poor compliance is one of the main causes.

Aim: To study the factors associated with poor compliance in hypertensive patients.

Methods: We conducted a descriptive prospective study including 200 hypertensive patients treated and followed out between March and April 2017. The Girerd medication adherence questionnaire was submitted to patients during an semi-directed interview.

Results: Patients meanagewas of 63.28 ± 9.62 years-old and sex ratio of 0.92. The predominant risk factor was dyslipidemia in 45% of cases, followed by smoking 36.5% and diabetes 25.5%. A previous history of acute coronary syndrome was found in 33.5% of cases and atrial fibrillation in 13%. Fifteen percent of our patients consumed alcohol regularly and 9.5% practiced regular physical activity. Fifty-five percent of our patients were on low sodium diet. The prevalence of poor medication adherence was 20.5%. In multivariate analysis, independent factors related to poor medication adherence were: the number of treating specialist physicians greater than 1 (OR = 3.444, p = 0.008) and the absence of information received on hypertension (OR = 4.345; p= 0.003).

Conclusion: The improvement of medication adherence for our patients must be based on information on hypertension and its risks and the harmonization of care between treating physicians.