Factors affecting compliance to hypertension medication: A study from North India

Background: Hypertension is an important health problem globally. One of the main causes of uncontrolled hypertension is the failure on the part of the patient for not taking the prescribed drugs. Objectives: This study was conducted to study the level of adherence to antihypertensive medication and to determine multiple factors which affect it. Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the field practice area of the department of community medicine. The study subjects were 700 patients aged 18 years and above diagnosed with hypertension for at least 1 year who had been prescribed antihypertensive treatment. Results: In this study, it was found that of the 700 participants, 57.3% were adherent to antihypertensive drugs. Factors significantly associated with adherence to hypertensive medication included being literate, socioeconomic Classes 1 and 2, taking only one hypertensive medication, monthly cost of drugs <500, being aware of hypertensive complications and complications of not taking drugs regularly, perception of current health status, and knowledge about worsening of health condition on stopping the treatment. Conclusions: Many factors such as literacy, socioeconomic factors, and awareness of consequences impact the adherence to treatment and hence the treatment outcomes. Community support and financial help can improve the same. It is imperative that all hypertensive patients receive repeated counseling to continue therapy. Financial support is an important issue which needs to be addressed.