Evaluation of Medication Adherence among Hypertensive Patients Attending Cardiology Clinic in a Tertiary Health Facility in Southern Nigeria

Background: High blood pressure (HBP) is considered one of the most challenging public health problems worldwide and reported as the leading risk factor for both cardiovascular death and hospitalization. If blood pressure is not properly controlled, it can cause complications such as: heart failure, stroke, renal disease, visual disturbances, sexual dysfunction, et cetera. Many people may not be aware of the state of their blood pressure.

Objectives: To assess treatment adherence amongst diagnosed hypertensive patients in cardiology clinic in a tertiary health facility.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 126 patients for a period of 7months (April-November 2022) in the outpatient’s cardiology clinic. The study employed a convenience sampling technique. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.0 software. The Chi square test was used to check for association and the level of significance was set as p < 0.05.

Results: The majority of respondents, 125 (99.2%), were aware of hypertension, with most, 102 (81.0%), learning about it through hospitals. Majority of respondents 89(70.6%) had poor adherence opposed to 37(29.4%) who had good adherence. About 66(52.4%) take their medication as much as they can despite financial constraint. Also, most respondents 77(61.1%) good knowledge of the complications of hypertension as opposed to 49(38.9%).

Conclusion: In this study, it was noted that there was poor adherence to antihypertensive with a consideration number of participants forgetting their medication sometimes. It was clearly evident that respondents understood and experienced the side effects of hypertension.