Factors influencing medication adherence among hypertensive patients: A qualitative study

Abstract Background: Medication non-adherence is a significant challenge in managing chronic diseases like hypertension. It often results in poor health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Therefore, understanding patients' perspectives on barriers to adherence is vital in developing realistic interventions to promote medication adherence in hypertension and similar chronic diseases. Aim: This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore the experiences and barriers to adherence among hypertensive patients at the Bamenda Regional Hospital in Cameroon. Methods: Semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion were conducted with 10 hypertensive patients aged 30 years and above, having difficulties adhering to their treatment plan. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed by thematic analysis using NVivo software. Results: Several key factors hindering adherence were identified from the themes including limited knowledge and awareness about hypertension and its treatment, negative attitudes and perceptions towards hypertension management, socioeconomic constraints limiting access to care, lack of social support, and poor patient-provider relationships. The study revealed a predominance of the biomedical model of care which often neglected patients' psychosocial needs. Conclusion: Addressing the barriers to adherence in hypertension patients demands a patient-centred approach to care. Such an approach must combine interventions for patient education and socioeconomic support. Social support systems, family involvement in care, and proper improved patient-provider collaboration also hold the potential to improve adherence. Recommendations: Based on the findings, this study recommends the implementation of targeted interventions such as patient education, socioeconomic support systems, family involvement in care, and training of care providers on patient-provider collaboration. Adopting a biopsychosocial care model is also crucial for promoting adherence.