Abstract
Background and ObjectivesPoor adherence to medications is one of the major public health challenges. Only one-third of the population reported successful control of blood pressure, mostly caused by poor drug adherence. However, there are relatively few reports studying the adherence levels and their associated factors among Chinese patients. This study aimed to study the adherence profiles and the factors associated with antihypertensive drug adherence among Chinese patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in an outpatient clinic located in the New Territories Region of Hong Kong. Adult patients who were currently taking at least one antihypertensive drug were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire, consisting of basic socio-demographic profile, self-perceived health status, and self-reported medication adherence. The outcome measure was the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Good adherence was defined as MMAS scores greater than 6 points (out of a total score of 8 points).ResultsFrom 1114 patients, 725 (65.1%) had good adherence to antihypertensive agents. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted. Younger age, shorter duration of antihypertensive agents used, job status being employed, and poor or very poor self-perceived health status were negatively associated with drug adherence.ConclusionThis study reported a high proportion of poor medication adherence among hypertensive subjects. Patients with factors associated with poor adherence should be more closely monitored to optimize their drug taking behavior.
Highlights
IntroductionAdherence to medication has been defined as the extent to which patients’ behaviors coincide with health care providers’ recommendations for health and medical advice [1]
Poor adherence to medications is a major public health challenge
This study aims to assess the drug adherence profiles of Chinese patients prescribed antihypertensive agents, and to examine the factors associated with antihypertensive drug adherence among Chinese patients
Summary
Adherence to medication has been defined as the extent to which patients’ behaviors coincide with health care providers’ recommendations for health and medical advice [1]. More than 26% of the adult populations worldwide have been diagnosed as having hypertension, and the prevalence of hypertension increases with age [3]. It is one of the major causes of premature death, and 7.1 million of people die from hypertension related diseases annually and the problem is still growing [4]. There are relatively few reports studying the adherence levels and their associated factors among Chinese patients. This study aimed to study the adherence profiles and the factors associated with antihypertensive drug adherence among Chinese patients
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