Medication Adherence and Blood Pressure Control among Hypertensive Patients of Pokhara Valley

Abstract

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition which remains inadequately managed everywhere. Medication adherence (MA) is a critical parameter for achieving strict blood pressure (BP) control in patients undergoing antihypertensive therapy (AHT). Good MA is also a key factor determining the success of preventive measures for cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction. So, the objective of this research was to study the medication adherence and blood pressure control among hypertensive patients of Pokhara Valley. A randomized community-based prospective study was conducted in different places of Pokhara. In the study, a structured questionnaire i.e. Brief medication questionnaire (BMQ) with a high sensitivity and specificity was used. Out of 79 respondents enrolled, most of the respondents (n=51, 64.6%) were shown to be non-adherent and only 28 (35.4%) were adherent to the prescribed AHT. The study showed that among adherers, 75% were undergoing monotherapy and 64.3% (n=18) had their BP under control. The comparison between BP control and the different occupation showed that the highest percentage of BP control was achieved in housewives. Most of the respondents were non-adherent to the prescribed AHT which requires special attention of the healthcare providers.

Key words: Hypertension, medication adherence, brief medication questionnaire, anti-hypertensive therapy