Key result
Antihypertensive self-medication affects 47% of hypertensive adults, linked to low income and medication gaps.
Why the study?
Self-medication can lead to poor blood pressure control and complications, but little was known about its prevalence and associated factors among patients with hypertension in Uganda.
Cross-Sectional (n=192)
No
Nearly half of hypertensive patients in a Central Ugandan clinic practice self-medication, driven by financial barriers, medication gaps, and family influence.
High self-medication rates signal need for adherence support in resource-limited clinics; leaves open whether addressing income or family factors improves control.
Background: Self-medication is a widespread practice among individuals with chronic conditions such as hypertension. It can lead to poor blood pressure control and an increased risk of complications. However, little is known about its prevalence and associated factors among patients with hypertension in Uganda. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of self-medication among adults with hypertension at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), Central Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during August and September 2024 among patients with known hypertension aged ≥ 18 years attending the MRRH Hypertension Clinic. Systematic sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, capturing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. We defined self-medication as the use of antihypertensive medicines by individuals to treat hypertension without a formal prescription or guidance from a healthcare professional within the last 90 days before the survey. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with self-medication. Results: We enrolled 192 participants, with a mean age of 58 (±14) years; 143 (75%) were female. The prevalence of self-medication with antihypertensive drugs was 47% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 40%-54%). Factors associated with self-medication were low monthly income (< 2,00,000 UGX; aPR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.04-3.86), 20 medication gap (adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR] = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.01-2.11), and familial influence (aPR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.04-1.92). Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication among hypertensive patients at MRRH was high. Self-medication was associated with low monthly income, medication gap, and familial pressure. The findings suggest that interventions addressing financial barriers, medication availability, and family influence warrant further evaluation as potential strategies to reduce self-medication.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kakuru et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in hypertension (n=192). Self-medication was evaluated on Prevalence of self-medication with antihypertensive drugs (95% CI 40-54). Self-medication with antihypertensive drugs was highly prevalent (47%; 95% CI 40-54%) among adults with hypertension and was associated with low income, medication gaps, and familial influence.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: