Antihypertensive drug adherence and its association with blood pressure control status

Abstract

BackgroundThe relation between antihypertensive drug adherence and blood pressure (BP) control status has been less frequently investigated. ObjectivesIn this article, we aimed to evaluate the relation between medication adherence and hypertension (HTN) status among Iranian hypertensive adults. Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2015 to March 2016 in one city in Iran, Isfahan. Participants aged 18–84 years were eligible for enrollment in the project. After 5 min of rest in a quiet room, BP was measured three times from each participant's right arm with calibrated tools and standard methods. Drug adherence scores were collected through a specific questionnaire. Finally, 252 individuals diagnosed with HTN and being aware of their disorder formerly were selected for further analysis. ResultsThe mean age of male and female participants was 60.5 ± 11.5 and 60.6 ± 11.3 years, respectively (P = 0.94). Controlled and uncontrolled HTN were observed among 59.9% and 40.1% of the study population, respectively. Employed subjects had poor adherence status (P = 0.04), and the older age was associated with better drug adherence scores (P = 0.03). Our considerable finding revealed that increasing drug frequency was associated with higher medication usage compliance (P < 0.001). ConclusionOur data suggested that despite decreasing drug adherence with being employees, younger age, new HTN occurrence, or higher educational duration, increasing the number of drugs was associated with better medication adherence grades. Several comprehensive population-based studies are necessary proving these relations.