Medication adherence and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending Kibagabaga hospital in 2023. A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a significant public health issue both globally and in Rwanda. It is a leading cause of poor health outcomes such as cardiovascular diseases (CDVs), brain and kidney diseases as well as mortality and disability. Adherence to hypertension drugs is an important essential variable in blood pressure control, resulting in a lower chance of developing negative health effects. Understanding the factors associated with adherence to medications could enable to improve hypertension management.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Kibagabaga Hospital in July 2023 to examine the health care system, therapy, condition-related, patient- related factors and socio economic and demographic characteristics as the predictors of hypertensive medication adherence. A non- probability consecutive sampling was used to recruit the study participants. Self-reported questionnaire was used to obtain information from the participants. Adherence to medications was assessed using eight- items Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (8-MMAS).

Results: A total of 391 of participants were included in this study. The proportion of medication adherence was 217(55.5%) participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that; Availability of medication (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.77-4.74, p

Conclusion: Hypertensive patients attend routine follow-up at the Hospital, it requires coordinated policies and procedures to ensure that patients are adhering to their medications.