Factors Influencing Non-Adherence to Antihypertensive Drugs among Patients Attending Medical Outpatient Clinics at State Hospital Ikirun, Osun State

Abstract

The study assessed the knowledge of hypertension among the respondent; it also assessed the level of adherence to antihypertensive drug and the factors influencing their adherence.   A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. The respondent was selected through convenience sampling technique and analysis was done with SPSS version 28 using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A sample size of 152 respondents was selected. A well-structured and validated questionnaire was used to secure information from the respondents that gave their consent to participate in the study. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.  The mean ± SD age of participants was 42±5.63 years. Regarding the knowledge of hypertension 40(26.3%) of the respondent has Poor Knowledge of Hypertension while 112(73.7%) has Good Knowledge of hypertension. The findings It shows that 53(34.9%) are adherence to their antihypertensive medication while majority 99(65.1%) are Non adherence to their antihypertensive drug. Also, factors influencing non adherence to antihypertensive drug: 82 (53.9%) high cost of the drug, 77 (50.7%) side effects from the medications, 88 (57.9%) tight schedules are factors influencing their adherence to their medications.  The study was concluded that high cost of drug, side effects from the medication and tight schedules are factors influencing non-adherence to medication. It was also recommended   that the government should su hypertensive patient should have a regular follow-up appointment to monitor patients' progress and address any concerns they may have about their medication.