Factors Affecting Adherence with Medication among Hypertensive Patients Attending Kwahu Government Hospital

Abstract

Background Hypertension is a global health threat especially in developing countries because of its high prevalence and concomitant risks of cardiovascular, cerebral and renal injuries. The leading cause of admissions and death in Ghana among adults is hypertension and related complications. Many patients diagnosed of heart failure, stroke and renal failure have underlying high blood pressure, which can be controlled with medications. This study aims to determine the factors affecting adherence to hypertensive medications. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Kwahu Government Hospital amongst 300 hypertensive patients aged 18 years and above who had been on antihypertensive medication for at least 6 months. Ethical approval was sought from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Ethics Review Committee. Medication adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). High adherence was defined as MMAS score of 6 or greater ( ≥ 6) out of a total score of 8 whilst low adherence was defined as a point of less than six ( < 6). Results One hundred and thirty-eight (46%) patients had high adherence to antihypertensive medication. Forgetfulness was the major reason for low adherence. After multivariate adjustment, level of education, period since diagnosis, number of tables taken daily, perceived severity and cues to action were significantly associated with adherence. No formal education, period since diagnosis more than 10 years, more than one tablet daily, low perceived severity and low cues to action were associated with low adherence. Conclusions Adherence was low among hypertensive patients attending Kwahu Government Hospital Level of education, period since diagnosis, number of tables taken daily, perceived severity and cues to action influenced adherence. This prompts for continuous health education to hypertensive patients which should stress on disease severity and health problems they will be prone to if they don‟t comply with their medications. Health information should also be dissemination to hypertensive patients through multiple sources like health personnel and electronic media.