Drug adherence behavior among hypertensive out-patients at a tertiary health institution in Manicaland province, Zimbabwe, 2011

This study investigated the level of drug adherence among hypertensive outpatients at a tertiary hospital in Zimbabwe.  Specific objectives included measurement of blood pressure (BP) control achievement, estimating prevalence of drug adherence behaviour, and establishing the association between drug adherence behaviour and achievement of BP control. Methods and Materials: An analytical, cross-sectional design was applied on a convenience sample of 102 participants using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.  Self-reported adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Findings: The median age of participants was 68.5 years (Q1 61; Q3 76).  The majority were female (n = 71; 69.6%).  BP control (below 140/90 mmHg) was achieved in 52% (n = 53).  Self-reported drug adherence was 40.2% (n = 42).  After multivariate logistic regression analysis, participants with normal BP measurements were more than 3 times ...
Source: NeLM - Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: news