Evaluation of Medication Adherence among Hypertensive Patients in a Liberian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Hypertension is known to be the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor, which significantly and independently increases the risk of developing major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications when not taken seriously.  Lack of adherence to medications and lifestyle adjustment, mainly among hypertensive patients has become an issue of global concern and comprised a major barrier to safe, cost-effective and effective use of drugs. The study aimed to evaluate medication adherence and to assess frequency of lifestyles adjustments associated with treatment adherence among hypertensive patients followed at the Out-Patient Department of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Liberia. 

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on hypertensive patients at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Liberia.  A face-to-face interviewer-guided questionnaire was distributed and responded to by 138 patients. The questionnaire consisted of 3-parts: sociodemographic characteristics, treatment adherence and issues related to healthy lifestyle practices (physical activities, diet, and taking medications).

From the 138 participants recruited for the study, 42.9 %, 33.3 % and 52.1 %, stopped taking medications on own initiative, did not take medications the previous day and stopped taking medications against physician's orders respectively. 78 % of the participants did not adhere to lifestyle adjustments recommended by their physicians. Based on the scoring system of MMAS-8, the mean score of the participants was < 6. The level of association between patients and medication adherence was P = 0.922 [95 % CI: 0.848 – 0.993].

Patients were non-adherent to antihypertensive medications and lifestyle adjustments. It is recommended that patient's education become an integral part of the management of patients with hypertension. Thus, a public educational program for promoting HTN awareness and lifestyle modification is an urgent need.