Treatment Adherence and Blood Pressure Outcome Among Hypertensive Out-patients

It is estimated that more than 70% of patients on antihypertensive medications do not take them as prescribed. Treatment non-adherence practice may be particularly higher in developing countries where there is poor accessibility to medicines and healthcare services, coupled with low level of awareness of the lifelong nature of hypertension treatment among patients. Optimal control of blood pressure has been reported to reduce the incidence of morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension. Thus, adoption of healthy lifestyle as well as ensuring regular and continuous adherence to prescribed medications are integral to successful management of hypertension to achieve the target blood pressure goals. The present study comprehensively evaluated adherence to pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological measures among ambulatory hypertensive patients attending two healthcare institutions in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria. Reasons for treatment non-adherence were evaluated, while perception and beliefs about hypertension and its management were also explored, with pharmacist-led patient-specific adherence education provided as appropriate to resolve the knowledge gap(s). Association between treatment adherence and blood pressure outcome at contact and the subsequent 2-months clinic appointment were investigated. Patients aged 18 years and above, with a primary diagnosis of hypertension, and who were on antihypertensive medications for at least 3-months were recruited from the medical outpatient clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital and the Specialist Hospital, both within Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto state, Northwestern Nigeria. Newly diagnosed patients, in-patients and those who declined participation were excluded from the study.