A Cross-Sectional Study of Gender-Related Factors influencing Antihypertensive Medication Adherence in Nigerian Adults

Background: Optimal adherence to antihypertensive medication is critical for effective blood pressure control. While gender-based disparities in hypertension outcomes are well recognized, the influence of gender on medication adherence in Nigeria remains insufficiently explored.Objective: This study aimed to identify gender-related factors associated with adherence to antihypertensive medication among adults receiving care in a Nigerian tertiary health facility.Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 hypertensive adults (155 women, 57.4%; 115 men, 42.6%) aged 18 years and above, attending ambulatory clinics. The 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used to assess adherence. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to evaluate gender-related determinants of adherence, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.Results: The overall prevalence of medication adherence was 57.8%. Adherence was significantly higher among men than women (66.1% vs 51.6%; OR = 1.827, 95% CI: 1.110–3.007). Among men, independent predictors of good adherence included rural residence (P = .011), normal body mass index (P = .003), controlled blood pressure (P < .001), and the prescription of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (P = .018). For women, a higher number of hospital visits (P = .009), blood pressure control (P < .001), and the use of calcium channel blockers (P = .001) were significantly associated with improved adherence.Conclusion: This study highlights a notable gender disparity in antihypertensive medication adherence, with men exhibiting greater adherence than women. The identification of distinct gender-specific sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacological factors associated with adherence underscores the necessity for gender-sensitive strategies in hypertension management in Nigeria.