Assessment of adherence to antihypertensive treatment

BACKGROUND: Adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment is essential for effective control of hypertension. Problem with follow-up of therapeutic recommendations is common in hypertension, and this highly impacts the effectiveness of treatment. Poor adherence to treatment would be responsible for two-thirds of uncontrolled hypertension. Objectives: The present study had the objectives of assessing the level of adherence and associated factors to antihypertensive treatment at the Urban Health and Training Centre (UHTC). MATERIALS AND METHOD: This Out Patients Department based, descriptive, observational study was carried out among adult hypertensive patients attending UHTC. Detailed history and physical examination was done. Factors associated with adherence to antihypertensive treatment were assessed. RESULTS: Out of 334 patients 195 (58.4%) were male and 139 (41.6%) were female. Good adherence to treatment was found more among males than among females (OR = 1.25). Poor adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment was seen in patients with the habit of alcohol consumption (OR =0.52), tobacco chewing (OR = 0.73), and smoking (OR = 0.40). Good adherence to treatment was present in those patients who were either receiving one medicine per day (OR = 4.27), or taking medicine once a day (OR= 1.96). CONCLUSION: Findings of this study provide clear evidence to the physicians and health care policy makers, regarding the factors for non-adherence. Patients with associated factors should receive more intensive monitoring for drug adherence. Interventions should be targeted towards social, economic, medical, behavioural and health system related factors.