The role of knowledge and perception of hypertension in adherence to drug therapy among hypertensive adults in Lagos, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Hypertension is the most common risk factor for both chronic illnesses and mortality. Numerous studies have assessed adults' perceptions and comprehension of hypertension among hospital patients in urban Nigeria. Nevertheless, there is little data on such studies and their influence on adherence to anti hypertensive drug therapy in rural communities. This study assessed knowledge and perception of hypertension among hypertensive adults in a rural community in Lagos, Nigeria, and how they affect their adherence to anti-hypertensive medication therapy.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 65 purposively selected patients in nine randomly selected community pharmacies in Lagos, Nigeria, using a well-structured, in-person, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Questionnaire reliability was assessed with standardized Cronbach's alpha. The chi-square test and descriptive statistics were conducted using SPSS version 23, at a 0.05% level of significance.The Cronbach's alpha test gave > 70% threshold value. Respondents have high knowledge that hypertension is more common in older persons (98.5%), the illness's effects on the organs (83.1%), and its treatment (83.1%). About 50.8% of respondents forget to take their medications, 43.1% take them carelessly, 67.7% stop taking them when they occasionally feel better, and only 43.1% stop taking them when they feel worse. There was no correlation between respondents' knowledge and perceptions and their adherence to anti-hypertensive medication therapy.

Adequate knowledge and positive perception did not translate to a high level of adherence to anti-hypertensive medication therapy. Further studies are recommended to investigate reasons for poor adherence and explore innovative approaches that will improve adherence.