Medicine Compliance Among Hypertensive Patients with Known Diabetes Mellitus in Sindh, Pakistan

Background: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are prevalent chronic conditions, requiring long-term medication adherence for effective management. Non-compliance can lead to severe health complications and increased healthcare costs.Objective: To evaluate medication compliance among hypertensive patients with known diabetes mellitus in Sindh, Pakistan, and identify key factors contributing to non-compliance.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 381 participants from various cities in Sindh, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and factors influencing medication compliance. Blood pressure was recorded using a sphygmomanometer. Ethical approval was obtained, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.Results: Of the 381 participants, 67.98% were fully compliant with their medication regimen, while 32.02% were non-compliant. The most common reasons for non-compliance were complex medication regimens (17.21%), side effects (16.39%), and financial constraints (13.93%). Socioeconomic status significantly influenced compliance, with lower compliance observed in the lower socioeconomic group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Despite a high compliance rate, a substantial portion of patients remain non-compliant due to regimen complexity and financial barriers. Targeted interventions, including simplified treatment plans and improved patient education, are necessary.