Hypertension is a major global health problem associated with severe complications and increased healthcare costs. Medication adherence is essential for controlling blood pressure and preventing adverse outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between health belief model constructs (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers) and self-efficacy with medication adherence among persons with hypertension in Nepal. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 212 hypertensive patients attending the Outpatient Department of AMDA Hospital, Nepal, from February to April 2023. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5), the Health Belief for Hypertensive Patient Scale (HBHS), and the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale-Revised (MASES-R). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, and multiple linear regression. The mean medication adherence score was 20.12 (SD = 3.31), with 72.64% classified as non-adherent. Perceived severity (r = 0.16, P = 0.02), perceived barriers (r = 0.19, P = 0.01), and self-efficacy (r = 0.23, P < 0.001) showed weak positive correlations with medication adherence. In the regression analysis, only self-efficacy was significantly associated with medication adherence (β = 0.26, t = 3.614, P < 0.001). In conclusion, self-efficacy was the only variable that demonstrated a significant association with medication adherence among persons with hypertension in this study. Interventions to improve adherence should focus on enhancing patients’ confidence in their ability to manage medication. These findings highlight the potential role of self-efficacy–based strategies in promoting better hypertension management in Nepal.
Acharya et al. (Wed,) studied this question.