Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, premature morbidity and mortality worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a global prevalence of approximately 1 billion adults and projects an increase to 1.7 billion by 2025. Global hypertension is on a steady rise in developing countries. The use of anti-hypertensive medications has been shown to produce significant gains; however, non-adherence remains a global health problem. This study examines factors associated with medication adherence among hypertensive adults in the North West Regions of Cameroon. The study framework was guided by Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy.
Methods: This project utilized a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Data was collected by selfadministered questionnaires with a convenience sample of established patients in two hospitals. Two surveys included the demographic tool (15 items) and the Modified Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). The Cronbach alpha is .83 [1].
Results: The total sample (n=200) completed the surveys. 47% (n = 94) reported a normal blood pressure. The mean systolic blood pressure was 141mm/Hg and diastolic blood pressure was 85mm/Hg. Mean adherence score was 6.33, SD=2.089. Adherence scores findings showed 31% (n = 63) low adherence, 32% (n= 64) medium adherence and 36% (n=73) high adherence. A significant weak negative correlation was found with adherence and blood pressure in systolic BP (r (198) = -.204, p<.05) and in diastolic BP (r (198) = -.237, p<.01). The higher the blood pressure, the lower the adherence scores. Education and alcohol were shown to be statistically associated with medication adherence.
Conclusions: The long-term reduction strategy of acute cardiovascular events associated with high medication adherence to antihypertensive treatment underscores its importance to hypertension control. Efforts focused on early antihypertensive treatment initiation and customized intervention programs may likely improve patient outcome and provide major benefits in global hypertension control efforts.