T-006 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ADHERENCE TO ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE MEDICATIONS AMONG PATIENTS AT THE GENERAL MEDICINE OUTPATIENT CLINIC, PHILIPPINE GENERAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction Hypertension is an important public health problem affecting 22.5% of Filipino adults. Poor adherence to anti-hypertensive medication is a major reason for failure to control hypertension. Objectives We aimed to (i) determine the prevalence of adherence to anti-hypertensive medications among patients consulting at the General Medicine Outpatient Continuity Clinic of the Philippine General Hospital and (ii) identify factors affecting medication adherence in this setting. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey on 301 hypertensive patients attending the General Medicine Outpatient Clinic of the Philippine General Hospital. Socio-demographic data, duration of hypertension and blood pressure control, presence of other co-morbidities, number and cost of medications and patient knowledge were documented by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Adherence was measured using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine factors affecting medication adherence. Results 276 patients were included in the analysis. Majority of respondents were female (71%), had at least one year of high school education (70%) and were unemployed (70%). Prevalence of medication adherence was 72%. After multivariate analysis, patients with lower socioeconomic status (AOR 0.13, SE 0.17, p = 0.12, 85% CI 0.02 to 0.87) and chronic kidney disease (AOR 0.46, SE 0.19, p = 0.06, 85% CI 0.26 to 0.83) were less likely to be adherent. Patients with more maintenance medications (AOR 1.15, SE 0.09, p = 0.05, 85% CI 1.0 to 1.3), and those with financial support from their children (AOR 2.3, SE = 0.66, 85% CI 1.6 to 3.5) were more likely to be adherent. Conclusions The prevalence of medication adherence among hypertensive patients at the PGH General Medicine Continuity Clinics is 72%. Lower socioeconomic status and chronic kidney disease decrease odds of adherence. Financial support from children and higher number of maintenance medications increase the odds of adherence to anti-hypertensive medications. Implications Patients from lower socioeconomic strata or with chronic kidney disease may benefit from interventions to improve adherence. Interventions that encourage family support may improve adherence. External validation of this model in other populations is recommended.