What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Hypertension (n=147). Primary outcome: Level of knowledge and medication adherence.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to assess knowledge levels and medication adherence in hypertension patients, exploring sociodemographic influences.

June 24, 2026Open Access

Assessment and Analysis of Knowledge and Medication Adherence in Patients with Hypertension

Key Result

Assessment of 147 patients with hypertension revealed moderate knowledge (55%) and moderate medication adherence (49.6%), which were independent of sociodemographic factors.

Key Points

The aim is to assess knowledge levels and medication adherence in hypertension patients, exploring sociodemographic influences.
Cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital from May 2025 to October 2025.
Included 147 patients diagnosed with hypertension.
Knowledge assessed via a structured scale and adherence measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale.
55% of participants had moderate knowledge, with 24% poor and 21% good levels.
49.6% had moderate adherence, with 28.5% poor and 21.7% good adherence levels.
No correlation was found between sociodemographic factors (age, gender, education) and medication adherence.

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=147)

Multicenter

Structured PICO

Population

147 patients diagnosed with hypertension, 57.1% male, mostly aged 50-59 (30.6%) and residing in rural areas (66%)

Outcome

Level of knowledge of hypertension (assessed using a structured Knowledge Assessment Scale) and medication adherence (assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale MMAS-8)patient reported

Patients with hypertension demonstrated moderate knowledge and adherence, which were not significantly influenced by sociodemographic factors, highlighting the need for targeted education and counseling.

Abstract

Objective: Hypertension is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. Successful control of blood pressure largely depends on patient awareness and adherence to prescribed medication. This study was designed to assess the level of knowledge and medication adherence in patients with hypertension and to examine the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on adherence behaviour. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Tumakuru from May 2025 to October 2025. A total of 147 patients diagnosed with hypertension were included in the study. Participants’ knowledge of hypertension and their medication adherence were assessed using a structured Knowledge Assessment Scale and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), respectively. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between sociodemographic variables and medication adherence. Results: Among 147 participants, 57.1% of participants were male. Most participants were aged 50–59 (30.6%) and resided in rural areas (66%). By knowledge assessment, most participants' knowledge level was moderate (55%), poor (24%), and good (21%). High awareness was found in lifestyle practices, including avoiding extra salt (94.5%), regular medication use (87%), daily exercise (85.7%), and monitoring of blood pressure (83.6%), complications of poorly controlled hypertension (43.5%) or alcohol as a risk factor (25.8%). Most participants' adherence levels were moderate (49.6%), poor (28.5%), and good (21.7%). We also found that sociodemographic factors like gender, age, education, and comorbidities are independent of medication adherence. Conclusion: Patients demonstrated fair knowledge and moderate adherence; gaps remain in awareness and in consistent medication use. The absence of correlation with age, gender, or education suggests that psychological and communication factors influence adherence. Enhanced education, counselling, and follow-up are essential for improving hypertension outcomes.