Level of Adherence to Antihypertensive Medications Among Adult Hypertensive Patients in Riyadh City

Background: In 2015, there were 1.13 billion individuals living with hypertensionaround the globe. The predominance of hypertension worldwide is of about 40%. InSaudi Arabia, it reached 3.2% among those aged between 15-24 years, 51.2% amongthose aged 55-64 years and up to 70% among those aged 65 years and more. Hypertensioncauses 7.5 million deaths, about 12.8% of the total deaths every year. Adherenceto medication is essential for maintaining life for hypertensive patients.Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of adherence to hypertension medicationsand to determine factors affecting the compliance of hypertensive patients totheir antihypertensive drugs.Methods: we have conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in Riyadh city population,Saudi Arabia. This study was conducted during the period from December2018 to January 2019. The participants were selected by random sampling. Samplingincluded the different geographical areas of the city. The total sample included216 subjects, all of which were approached to obtain the desired sample size. A selfadministeredquestionnaire about hypertension and complications was filled by theparticipants.Results: in this study, participants classified to three groups according to age: lessthan 40 years old from 40 to 65 years old and 65 years old or above. Male and femalegroups contributed to 72.2% and 27.8% respectively. The majority of participantshad secondary education (55.6%) and about 33.3% were at least university level. Themajority of participants with hypertension were on one medication prescribed for thetreatment of their high blood pressure and the majority of participants (66.7%) werepoorly compliant to their hypertension medication.Conclusion: more attention is needed on preventive educational programs that focuson awareness and assessment of the hypertension medications adherence, complicationsof hypertension, and the danger of poor control of it.