Assessment of Hypertensive Patient-Related Factors Influencing Adherence to Anti-Hypertensive Medication at Cocoa Clinic in the Kaneshi Suburb of Greater Accra

Abstract

BACKGROUND Hypertension is a chronic condition that requires long term management to avoid complications. It is a growing public health concern. Adherence to medication therapy has been identified as a major problem in people with chronic conditions although there are several evidence to show effectiveness of medication. A worldwide non adherence to medication among chronic patients is estimated to be 50% and this is not different in Ghana. Non adherence again leads suboptimal therapy and uncontrolled blood pressure. Hypertension morbidity and mortality has consistently increased at Cocoa clinic as a result of uncontrolled blood which can be caused by low or non adherence to therapy. This study determined the factors associated with adherence to medication among adults receiving care at Cocoa clinic. Method:A cross- sectional study was conducted among adult hypertensive patients receiving care at the Cocoa Clinic from 29 to 84 years. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Adherence was assessed using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence scale (MMAS-8). Data was analyzed using STATA software version 15. Multiple regression model was used to identify patients’ factors associated with adherence. Results: Overall adherence was 43.2%, (121/280) participants have poor adherence. Gender (OR=2.5; 95%CI=1.09-5.74), ability to afford medication (OR = 8.00; 95%CI =2.73-23.47), co-morbidity (OR=3.65; 95%CI=1.53-8.72) and locus of control (OR= 0.16; 95%CI=0.073-0.35) were significantly associated with adherence.