Antihypertensive Medication Adherence And Associated Risk Factors Among Adults With Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study In A Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Abstract

Background Hypertension remains a significant public health challenge worldwide, with an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years affected, two-thirds of whom reside in low- and middle-income countries. It accounts for approximately 12.8% of global mortality, and in Ghana, hypertension-induced deaths constitute about 5.2% of total mortality. One of the major challenges in hypertension management is poor adherence to antihypertensive medications, which can lead to uncontrolled blood pressure and an increased risk of complications. This study assessed medication adherence rates and predictors among patients attending the hypertension clinic at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 292 participants receiving care at the hypertension clinic at CCTH. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and medication adherence were collected using a semi-structured electronic questionnaire. Additionally, anthropometric measurements, systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings were recorded for all participants. Results The mean age of the study participants was 63.1 years (SD ± 11.0), with 77.7% being female. The majority of participants were married or cohabiting (66.3%), self-employed (40.9%), and had at least a tertiary level of education (37.5%). The overall medication adherence rate was 67.8%. In multivariable logistic regression, ethnicity (non Akan, aOR = 3.52, p = 0.02), regular blood pressure monitoring (aOR = 1.853, p = 0.012), knowledge of medications (aOR = 4.395, p < 0.001), dosage schedules (aOR = 5.274, p < 0.001) and medication availability (aOR = 4.156, p = 0.001) were significant predictors of antihypertensive medication adherence. Conclusion The study revealed a moderately high adherence rate among participants. Continuous efforts to improve drug adherence regular by promoting significant predictors of adherence such as regular BP monitoring, medication availability and other patient-friendly measures are warranted.