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This is a Cross-Sectional Study study.

September 17, 2025Open Access

Factors Influencing Adherence to Anti-hypertensive Medications: A Cross- sectional Study Among the Najran Population, Saudi Arabia

Key Points

Non-adherence to anti-hypertensive medications was found in the Najran population, impacting blood pressure control significantly.
The mean score on the MMAS-8 showed moderate non-adherence, influenced by factors such as female sex and rural residency.
Multivariate analysis identified specific independent predictors of non-adherence: female sex, single status, and lower education level.
Tailored interventions are suggested to improve adherence rates among identified subgroups in the Najran population.

Abstract

Background: Anti-hypertensive drugs are crucial for managing hypertension, a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. However, adherence to anti-hypertensive medications is often suboptimal, leading to poor blood pressure control and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Objectives: This study aims to determine the elements affecting the Najran population’s adherence to anti-hypertensive medication. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Najran, Saudi Arabia, with 208 hypertensive patients recruited from primary care clinics. Medication adherence was assessed using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with non-adherence. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean MMAS-8 score was 4.66 ± 2.53, indicating moderate non-adherence. Non-adherence was significantly associated with female sex (P = 0.001), single marital status (P = 0.001), lower education level (P < 0.001), private employment (P = 0.005), and rural residency (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that female sex odds ratio (OR) = 2.56, P = 0.001, single status (OR = 3.29, P = 0.001), primary education (OR = 2.89, P = 0.005), and rural residency (OR = 3.12, P = 0.012) were independent predictors of non-adherence. Conclusions: Several factors are associated with non-adherence to anti-hypertensive medications among the Najran population in Saudi Arabia. Female sex, single marital status, primary education, private sector employment, and rural residency were independent predictors of non-adherence. These findings suggest that interventions to improve adherence to anti-hypertensive medications should consider these factors and be tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals in the studied subgroups.

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