Factors influencing antihypertensive medication adherence among hypertensive patients: A cross-sectional study in two selected Eritrean hospitals

Objective: Hypertension is a major modifiable cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease affecting more than one billion individuals worldwide. Adherence to recommended antihypertensive medications is central to control hypertension. The purpose of this study was to assess medication adherence and its influencing factors among hypertensive patients in Halibet and Hazhaz Hospitals in Asmara, Eritrea. Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 hypertensive patients in Halibet and Hazhaz Hospitals of Asmara from February through May 2018. A convenience sampling was used to select study participants. Data related to medication adherence were collected using a structured 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. A bivariate and multivariate analysis was done to determine independent predictors of medication adherence among hypertensive patients. Adjusted odds ratio (at 95% CI) and p value < 0.05 was used to assert the effect of the independent variables. Results: Out of 360 patients enrolled in the study, two hundred forty nine (69.2%) had good medication adherence and the remaining 30.8% had poor adherence. The study found that Being female (AOR (95% CI): 1.8 (0.63, 4.85), p<0.05), having Monthly income ≥ 1000 nakfa (AOR (95% CI): 2.85 (0.76, 5.61), , p<0.05), having comorbid disease (AOR (95% CI): 2.7 (0.98, 4.23), p<0.05), family history of hypertension (AOR (95% CI): 2.12 (0.78, 5.76), p <0.05), longer duration of hypertension (AOR (95% CI): 1.32 (0.65, 4.89), p< 0.05), BP < 140/90 mmHg (AOR (95% CI): 2.4 (1.41, 8.73), P<0.05), and taking only one pill per day (AOR (95% CI): 2.7 (0.97, 6.84),P<0.05) were factors significantly influenced good medication adherence. Conclusion: Medication adherence among hypertensive patients was relatively high in this study. Increasing adherence counseling and patient education about the disease and its treatment are important measures to scale-up adherence status of patients.