Unaffordability of treatment was a strong independent predictor of nonadherence to antihypertension medications, increasing the odds of nonadherence by over twofold (OR 2.25).
Cross-Sectional (n=450)
No
What are the determinants of adherence to antihypertension medications among patients with hypertension in Pakistan?
Unaffordability, female sex, and long waiting times are significant barriers to antihypertension medication adherence in Pakistan, while adequate counseling and education improve adherence.
Odds Ratio: 2.25 (95% CI 1.46–3.48)
p-value: p=0.002
INTRODUCTION: Medication nonadherence leads to poor health outcomes, frequent complications, and high economic impact. Our objective was to assess the determinants of adherence to medication regimens among patients with hypertension. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with hypertension attending the cardiology clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan. Data were collected by using semistructured questionnaires. A score of 7 or 8 on the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was classified as good adherence, 6 as moderate, and less than 6 as nonadherence. Logistic regression was performed to determine covariates associated with medication adherence. RESULTS: We enrolled 450 patients with hypertension (mean age, 54.5 y; SD, 10.6). Medication adherence was good among 115 (25.6%) patients and moderate among 165 (36.7%); 170 (37.8%) patients were nonadherent. Most patients (72.7%) had uncontrolled hypertension. Nearly half (49.6%) were unable to afford monthly medication. In bivariate analysis, nonadherence was associated with female sex (odds ratio OR, 1.44; P = .003) and long waiting times in the health care facility (OR, 2.93; P = .005); the presence of comorbidities (OR, 0.62; P = .01) was associated with good adherence. In multivariate analysis, nonadherence was associated with unaffordability of treatment (OR, 2.25; P = .002) and uncontrolled hypertension (OR, 3.16; P < .001). Good adherence determinants included adequate counseling (OR, 0.29; P < .001) and education (OR, 0.61; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Addressing identified barriers, including medication affordability and patient counseling, should be included in Pakistan's national policy on noncommunicable disease.
Noreen et al. (Mon,) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=450). Unaffordability of treatment vs. Affordability of treatment was evaluated on Nonadherence to antihypertension medications (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.46-3.48, p=0.002). Unaffordability of treatment was a strong independent predictor of nonadherence to antihypertension medications, increasing the odds of nonadherence by over twofold (OR 2.25).