Adherence to Medications among Nepali Hypertensive Population: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a chronic medical condition, which needs an adequate management. The patients' adherence with a proper medication of hypertension is the key factor to control hypertension and to reduce the associated complications. However, poor adherence to the antihypertensive drugs is a worldwide problem, which is responsible for adverse health outcomes and thus, increases different health complexities along with health management costs. Here we aim to identify the associated factors of medication adherence among the hypertensive patients in Nepal. Methods: We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study in Nepal from September 2016 to November 2016. We collected data of 260 hypertensive patients who are in medication of hypertension for at least 1 year. Data was collected by interview method and the medication adherence was measured by the three questions that were developed following the Morisky-Green test (MG) and Wong. Results: Good adherence with medication was observed in 51.9% of the 260-hypertensive patients. Female patients (57%) were found to be more likely to adhere to their medication regime, compared to their male counterparts (47%). Multivariate logistic regression indicates that married patients were twice as likely (95% CI: 1.01-4.46; P <0.05) to adhere, compared to single or divorced patients. It also appeared that the patients who were taking medication for more than 10 years are 54% less likely to be compliant compared to the hypertensive patients who were on medication less than 10 years (OR= 0.46). Availability of the antihypertensive drugs near the house (within 1 km) is important to reduce the poor adherence (OR= 3.10, CI: 1.68-5.87). Conclusion: Adherence levels were higher in married hypertensive patients who are having medication for less than 10 years. Availability of the hypertensive medication near the house (<1 km) is also important to reduce the non-adherence on hypertensive medication.