Maximal adherence to prescribed drug schedules was associated with a more than three-fold higher likelihood of achieving normal blood pressure control (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.38-.24).
Cross-Sectional (n=102)
No
Does drug adherence behavior improve blood pressure control in hypertensive outpatients?
Self-reported maximal adherence to prescribed antihypertensive drugs is significantly associated with achieving blood pressure control.
Effect estimate: OR 3.37 (95% CI 1.38-.24)
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the level of drug adherence among hypertensive outpatients at a tertiary hospital in Zimbabwe. Specific objectives included measurement of blood pressure (BP) control achievement, estimating prevalence of drug adherence behavior, and establishing the association between drug adherence behavior and achievement of BP control. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An analytic cross sectional design was applied on a convenience sample of 102 participants using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Self-reported adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. FINDINGS: The median age of participants was 68.5 years (Q(1) 61;Q(3) 76). The majority were female (n = 71;69.6%). BP control (< 140/90 mmHg) was achieved in 52% (n = 53). Self-reported drug adherence was 40.2% (n = 42). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, participants with normal BP measurements were more than three times as likely to report maximal adherence to prescribed drug schedules (odds ratio 3.37; 95% confidence interval: 1.38-.24). CONCLUSION: Poor drug adherence behavior prevails among hypertensive outpatients. This contributes to poor achievement of BP control. The hospital is recommended to set up a specialized hypertension clinic in the Out-patients' Department where an intensified health education package can be introduced as well as community awareness programs on the importance of medication adherence.
Mutseyekwa et al. (Tue,) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=102). Drug adherence vs. Poor drug adherence was evaluated on Achievement of blood pressure control (< 140/90 mmHg) (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.38-.24). Maximal adherence to prescribed drug schedules was associated with a more than three-fold higher likelihood of achieving normal blood pressure control (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.38-.24).