Abstract:
Introduction: Hypertension is a most challenging public health problem
worldwide. Developing countries like Sri Lanka shows increased trend in
prevalence of hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension affects each system of the
body. Medication adherence plays main role in control of blood pressure, prevent
complications and get good clinical outcome. Associated factors with medication
adherence should be identified to develop strategies for the optimum level of
medication adherence.
Objective: To assess the medication adherence and associated factors among
hypertensive patients attending medical clinics at Teaching Hospital Jaffna.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the 224
hypertensive patients attended to the medical clinic, Teaching Hospital Jaffna
during November 2022. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was
used to collect data about socio-demographic factors and medication adherence
whilst Data extraction sheet was used for identifying treatment related factors.
Medication adherence was assessed with the help of Morisky Medication
Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) and scores were categorized as good and poor
adherence. Then association was found with selected factors by using Chi square
test.
Results: Two hundred and twenty-four participants were interviewed with the
response rate of 100%. Majority of the participants (64.7%) were male. The mean
age of the participants was 64.5 years (SD=9.6). Good adherence level was noted
among 46.4% of the participants. The mean score of Medication adherence was
5.9 out of 8. Medication adherence had significant positive association with less
frequency of alcohol drinking (p=0.020, ODD=1.491), hypertension under control
(p=0.018, ODD=1.394) and monthly clinic visit (p=0.037, ODD 1.427).
Conclusion: The study indicated that less than half of the participants had good
level of adherence to antihypertensive medications. Forgetfulness is the
predominant reason for poor adherence. It is recommended to have education
programmes for participants by incorporating the associated factors.
