Patient Compliance with Anti-Hypertensive Medication to Control their Blood Pressure in the Udaipur Region

Abstract

Hypertension has become a global burden. Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological therapies have been considered as primary intervention for uncontrolled hypertension. However, there is a huge rate of non-compliance seen in the patients. It has been due to various reasons ranging from ethnicity, socio-demographic factors to misconceptions and beliefs of the patients. Adherence to medication is important to manage blood pressure. This is descriptive (cross- sectional) study approved by the research committee. 117 participants were enrolled through hospitals and clinics. Researcher filled the questionnaire through one-to one interview based method. An informed consent was signed by the participants after the consultation with the doctor in-charge. Data was entered into excel and analysis was done in SPSS. Descriptive statistics involving percentages and frequencies and chi-square test was used to find associations between variables. 74.4% participants were non adherent to the medication. The population had more females (55.6%) than males (44.4%). The reasons stated were forgetfulness (20%), side effects (20%), misconceptions (40%), busy schedules, health care cost and mainly negligence towards health. Though the population was literate, non-compliance rate was high. The age groups and smoking were significantly associated with medication compliance (p=0.038, p = 0.004). Patients’ non-compliance with medication has been a major reason for uncontrolled hypertension. Lifestyle factors such as consumption of alcohol and smoking also contribute to the same. Forgetfulness, carelessness, side effects, misconceptions, negligence towards health, busy schedules are some of the reasons. It is important to address the beliefs of patients to increase the rate of compliance and increase awareness of the disease progenies and treatment protocol