Medication adherence and blood pressure control: A preliminary assessment of the role of health insurance in Nigeria and Ghana
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SAGE Open Medicine
Abstract
Objectives: This study sought to assess the current impact of health insurance coverage on medication adherence and
blood pressure control of patients being managed for hypertension in Ghana and Nigeria.
Methods: The study was a prospective study among 109 patients with hypertension in two health facilities with similar
population dynamics in Ghana and Nigeria. Patients were systematically selected, categorized as having health insurance
coverage or not, and followed up monthly for 6months. The outcome variables (medication adherence and blood pressure
control) were then measured and compared at 6months. Analysis was done using Stata with level of significance set at
p⩽0.05.
Results: There was a 90% insurance coverage among participants from Ghana compared to 15% from Nigeria. National
Health Insurance Authority enrolees in both countries had better blood pressure control and medication adherence
compared to non-enrolees (adjusted odds ratio=2.6 and 4.5, respectively).
Conclusion: National Health Insurance Authority enrolment was found to be poor among respondents in Nigeria compared
to Ghana. Enrolment into the National health financing schemes in both countries led to better blood pressure control and
medication adherence among patients with hypertension at primary health facilities. There is therefore the need for system
strengthening to improve their sustainability.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Hypertension, medication adherence,, NHIA, Ghana, Nigeria