Determination of level of self-reported adherence of antihypertensive drug(s) and its associated factors among patient with hypertension at a tertiary care center

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the level of self-reported adherence to antihypertensive drug(s) and its associated factors among patient with hypertension at a tertiary care center. The authors performed hospital based observational cross-sectional study using semi-structured questionnaires, WHO STEP tool and Hill and Bone high blood pressure compliance scale from December 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square/Fisher's exact test and non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Among 150 cases included in the study, majority (94, 62.67%) had good adherence based on Hill and Bone high blood pressure compliance scale with adherence level labelled as "good adherence" (score 3) and "not good adherence" (score < 3). The adherence to drug therapy was significantly better in females compared to males (50 [71.43%] vs. 44 [55.00%], p = .038). Among the factors related to hypertension and anti-hypertensive therapy, people with higher body mass index (ρ = -.324, n = 56, p = .015) and taking three or more pills (6, 1.71%, p = .017) had lower adherence to therapy. Likewise, forgetfulness (30, 53.57%), ineffective counseling (7, 12.50%), and missed follow-up (13, 23.21%) were the factors associated with lower adherence to anti-hypertensive therapy. This study finds good adherence among the patients taking anti-hypertensive medications. However, with the improved education, lesser number of pills and physical fitness help to adhere with the anti-hypertensive therapy.

Keywords: anti-hypertensive; compliance; hypertension; medication adherence.