Knowledge of hypertensive patients about treatment in the Seboche hospital, 2013

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is common, control is often poor and patients’ knowledge of their drug treatment is unknown in Lesotho. The aim of this study was to assess patients’ knowledge regarding drug treatment of hypertension and to identify self-reported reasons for poor adherence to treatment.Methods: An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling of 100 hypertensive patients above 18 years attending the hypertension clinic at a district hospital in Lesotho.Results: Thirty-six participants had forgotten to take their medication in the past two months and 11% reported not taking their medication when they were feeling better. Fifty-four reported that no one had explained how treatment works while 34 believed that treatment cures hypertension.Conclusion: The level of knowledge of hypertensive patients about treatment and adherence is low at this hospital.