Pharmacists’ Activities in Improving Treatment Outcomes among Adult Hypertensive Patients visiting Health Facilities in Nigeria

Abstract

Adherence is key to improving patient outcomes especially in those with chronic disease states. We assessed activities of pharmacists to improve adherence in hypertensive patients. A hard copy data collection instrument was used to collect information from 402 patients. Information included demographics, medication adherence, pharmacists’ activities in improving adherence and clinical outcomes. Google forms were used to collect data on demographics and activities done to improve patients’ treatment outcome among 152 pharmacists. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 and variables whose P≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. The mean age of patients was 53.71±0.12 years. Majority felt they were taking too many medications (281, 69.9%) or they were taking too many doses (293, 72.9%). Pharmacists never asked 257 (63.9%) questions about their drugs. Many (244, 60.7%) forgot to take their medications routinely. The mean age of pharmacists was 27.72 ± 0.49 years and 132 (86.8%) had a B. Pharm Degree as their highest level of education, 69 (45.4%) had no updated information on patients’ health, while 128 (84.2%) provided pharmaceutical patient care. Adherence to medications was poor especially among elderly patients. Patients agreed that pharmacists educated them on how their drugs work and on the right way to take their medicines. The main problem identified among pharmacists was their failure to update their clinical knowledge.