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Adherence and Preference Issues in Anti-hypertensive Therapy: Experience from a Private medical Facility in Jos, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Hypertension control is poor world-wide. Several factors are responsible, a major one being non-adherence. This study therefore set out to see how adherent our patients are to prescribed therapy.
Methodology: Small consecutive groups of hypertensive were interviewed. Their recall of drug regimen as prescribed, how they were actually taken, reason(s) for non-adherence where discrepancy was noted, any time preference and reasons, gender, and age were documented.
Results: Over the study period, a total of 182 hypertensives were seen. One hundred and twenty three (67.6%) complied fully with prescription while 59 (32.4%) did not. Reasons for non-adherence varied. Most of the time, patients ran out of their drugs before the next appointment. In some cases they misunderstood instructions. Although morning dosing was recommended for once daily drugs, 28 (15.4%) preferred night time.
Conclusion: More efforts should go into patient education so that they can understand the need for regular intake of anti-hypertensives, and that normalization of blood pressure doesnot call for discontinuation. More collaboration between doctors and pharmacists is called for to avoid conflicting instruction to patients.
Methodology: Small consecutive groups of hypertensive were interviewed. Their recall of drug regimen as prescribed, how they were actually taken, reason(s) for non-adherence where discrepancy was noted, any time preference and reasons, gender, and age were documented.
Results: Over the study period, a total of 182 hypertensives were seen. One hundred and twenty three (67.6%) complied fully with prescription while 59 (32.4%) did not. Reasons for non-adherence varied. Most of the time, patients ran out of their drugs before the next appointment. In some cases they misunderstood instructions. Although morning dosing was recommended for once daily drugs, 28 (15.4%) preferred night time.
Conclusion: More efforts should go into patient education so that they can understand the need for regular intake of anti-hypertensives, and that normalization of blood pressure doesnot call for discontinuation. More collaboration between doctors and pharmacists is called for to avoid conflicting instruction to patients.
