Drug adherence among adult hypertensives attending medical out-patient clinic in a tertiary hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The research aimed to estimate the level of drug adherence, to determine the reasons for non-adherence, and identify risk factors associated with non -adherence among adult hypertensive clients attending an out-patient clinic in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study of adults with hypertension at a medical outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital. Four hundred and four (404) respondents were selected from November 2015 to April 2016, a validated questionnaire by Morisky Green was adapted and distributed by trained research assistants. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables like sex, marital status, and clinic attendance among the two groups of adherent and non-adherent hypertensive. Information was summarized using frequency tables and cross-tabulations. Binary logistic regression analysis was done. The level of significance was set at 5%.

Results: Optimal adherence was observed in 281(69.0%) of the respondents. Being a female (OR: 1.833; 1.048 -7.205, p=0.034), being employed (OR: 2.099; 1.097-4.096, p=0.03) and regular clinic attendance (OR: 22.26; 12.647 – 39.107, p<0.001) were significantly correlated with optimal adherence. Forgetfulness (23, 9.9%), use of traditional medicines (42, 18.1%), lack of funds (59, 25.4%), and feeling well (60, 25.9%) were some of the reasons for suboptimal adherence

Conclusion: The level of drug adherence among the respondents was good, especially among those that attend clinics regularly, those that are employed, and female respondents. Suboptimal adherence among the few respondents was due to forgetfulness, the use of traditional medicine, lack of funds, and stopping the use of drugs when they felt better.