Factors Influencing Blood Pressure Control and Medication Adherence among Hypertension Patients Attending Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital
Date
2019-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
Background
Hypertension, a notable risk factor for renal disease and stroke remains a significant public health
problem. It is associated with fatality, morbidity and a huge financial burden. There is insufficient
control of blood pressure despite advancements in hypertension management. Several factors
influence blood pressure control. Prescribing trends among doctors and adherence to medication
by the patient influence control of blood pressure. This study sought to assess the control of blood
pressure and medication adherence among patients with hypertension attending Korle Bu Teaching
Hospital and some contributing factors.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital at the out-patient clinics of
the Department of Medicine, the Cardiothoracic Unit and the Korle Bu polyclinic targeting patients
with hypertension. A consecutive sampling approach was used to recruit patients. Structured
questionnaire was administered to obtain information on demographics, socioeconomic status,
medication and disease data. Adherence to medication was also measured using the Morinsky 8
item adherence scale. Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 15 and a level of
significance set at 5%.
Results
Results showed that the level of blood pressure control was 56.1% and the level of medication
adherence was 49.5%. Medication adherence (AOR 1.66 p=0.03), review visits every 3 months
(AOR 2.34 p <0.001), being on a beta-blocker (AOR 0.47 p=0.01) and being on other less
commonly prescribed drugs (AOR 0.36 p=0.04) were the factors that were found to be associated with blood pressure control. CCB (72.3%) and diuretics (53.6%) were found to be the most
commonly prescribed medication. Physician compliance with JNC 8 was found to be 32.2%. A
proportion of 81.6% of prescribers are guided by guidelines in their selection of medication and
59.8% and 63.2% of prescribers are influenced by availability and cost of medication in their
choice of medication respectively.
Description
MPH.
Keywords
Hypertension, Antihypertensive Medication