Health literacy and its role in promoting medication adherence among hypertension patients

Abstract

Background: Health literacy (HL) is considered as one of the most important approaches for individual, societal, and systemic behaviour changes that promote drug adherence. This study conducted to examined the association between health literacy and medication adherence among hypertension patients. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilised among 175 hypertensive patients from three public hospitals. The data collection was done for a duration of six weeks between February and March 2025, by using two tools High Blood Pressure Health Literacy Scale (HBP-HLS) and the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5), via self-reported methods. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression were performed. Results: The majority of the respondents were female (n = 100, 57.1%), with mean age was 58.4 years. The mean blood pressure readings of 142.3/87.1 mmHg. The mean total score was 22.56 (SD = 3.12) out of a possible 25, indicating a relatively high average level of self-reported adherence. In terms of total health literacy, participants had a mean total score of 30.76 out of 43 (SD = 6.42). A statistically significant with positive correlation between health literacy and medication adherence (r = 0.28, p < 0.01). Comorbidities, number of medications, educational level, income, and BMI were strong independent predictor for health literacy. Conclusion: Policymakers are advised to prioritise health literacy improving interventions through tailored education, simplified treatment regimens, and community-based support systems to promote sustainable, equitable hypertension care across diverse populations.