Key result
Poor antihypertensive adherence is linked to ~3-fold higher rates of uncontrolled blood pressure.
Why the study?
Effective blood pressure control prevents cardiovascular complications and mortality and depends largely on adherence to prescribed medications, prompting an assessment of the patterns and predictors of medication adherence among hypertensive patients in Bangladesh.
Cross-Sectional (n=460)
No
In rural Bangladesh, nearly two-thirds of hypertensive patients attending primary care have moderate-to-poor medication adherence—driven primarily by forgetfulness, financial hardship, and low education—which strongly correlates with high rates of uncontrolled blood pressure.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Supports adherence screening in rural primary care; leaves open whether interventions improve BP control in prospective trials.
Background: Hypertension (HTN) is recognized as one of the most significant global public health challenges and is identified as the leading risk factor for cardiovascular deaths. When blood pressure is not adequately managed, it can lead to complications such as heart failure, stroke, kidney disease and end-organ failure. Therefore, Effective control of blood pressure is mandatory and it mostly depends on adherence to prescribed medications, which helps lower the risk of related complications and mortality. This study aimed to assess the patterns and predictors of medication adherence among hypertensive patients in Bangladesh. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Upazila Health Complex, Sitakunda from March to August 2025 among 460 patients of HTN. The data were collected by face-to-face interviews and BP & BMI were measured. The data were compiled and tabulated according to key variables and analyzed with IBM SPSS V-30. Results: Majority 35.2% of the study people belonged to the age group >60 years. Among them approximately 3/4th was female and housewives. The maximum number of respondents had no formal education and a low medium family income. Among them, more than 2/3rd of respondents were overweight and obese. Most hypertensive cases were recently diagnosed and had positive family history. Diabetes was the most common comorbid condition with hypertension. 32.2% had good adherence and 31.1% had poor adherence. Forgetfulness and financial difficulties were the main reasons for non-adherence reported by the participants. Among poor adherent patients, 56.1% had uncontrolled blood pressure. Older adults and housewives with no formal education had poor adherence, while recently diagnosed hypertensive patients with positive family history had good medication adherence. Conclusion: The medication adherence level among hypertensive patients in rural Bangladesh is still poor. Therefore, public health interventions and sustained efforts such as comprehensive management strategies, health education programs and e-health facilities should be imposed. Overall, a multidisciplinary team approach with greater participation of patients in managing hypertension should be encouraged to promote better medication adherence. IAHS Medical Journal Vol 9(1), June 2026; 31-38
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Onamika et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=460). Poor antihypertensive medication adherence (MMAS-8 score <6) vs. Good antihypertensive medication adherence (MMAS-8 score = 8) was evaluated on Uncontrolled blood pressure (SBP ≥140 mmHg or DBP ≥90 mmHg) (p=0.001). Poor antihypertensive medication adherence was observed in 31.3% of rural Bangladeshi patients and was associated with higher uncontrolled blood pressure rates than good adherence (83.3% vs 26.4%, p=0.001).
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