Prevalence and Determinants of Low Medication Adherence among Hypertensive Patients in Chittagong: Hospital-based study.

Abstract

Background: One of the main non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that causes morbidity and mortality globally is hypertension. Low medication adherence is still a major problem despite the acknowledged health risks, especially in low- and middle-income nations like Bangladesh. According to studies, nonadherence raises the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. The frequency and contributing factors of poor medication adherence among hypertension patients in Bangladesh, however, have not received much attention in studies.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 250 bed Chattogram General Hospital, and three upozila health complexes in Chattogram. A well structured questionnaire was done to have face to face interviews of the participants.

Results: A higher percentage(70%) of the female showed low medication adherence where compared to the male participants(30%). Education level and medication adherence is proportional. Participants with no formal education showed highest percentage (42.4%) in low medication adherence. On the other hand, income source is inversely connected. The participants with the monthly income between (80000-120000) showed low medication adherence even though high financial stability. Only 14.4% of patients showed high medication adherence, compared to 72.8% who had medium adherence and 12.8% who had low adherence, according to the data. Health-seeking behaviours varied, with 42.8% going to local health centres and 49% visiting MBBS doctors. But obstacles like distance, budgetary limitations, and sporadic follow-ups led to low adherence.

Conclusion: Low medication adherence among hypertension patients in Bangladesh is a serious problem, and the study emphasises the difficulties associated with socioeconomic status and access to healthcare. Improving adherence rates requires addressing these obstacles with focused interventions, such as increasing follow-up procedures, expanding access to healthcare, and improving patient education.