Factors Influencing Medication Adherence among Patients with Hypertension: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Thandar Win, Samoraphop Banharak, Wasana Ruaisungnoen

Hypertension is known to affect around the world with steadily upward prevalence. Due to the nature of unpresented signs and symptoms, adherence to medication treatment for hypertension is poor in many countries. The impacts of uncontrol hypertension are explainable by increasing numbers of people with stroke, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease, well-known complications of hypertension. Promotion patients’ adherence to medication regimen needs understanding of factors contributing to the adherence. This systematic review aims to describe the factors influencing medication adherence among patients with hypertension. A total of 29 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 - 2020 were included for the final review following a PRISMA guideline. Factors influencing antihypertensive medication adherence are categorized as the socio-demographic, patient-related, treatment-related, disease-related, and healthcare service-related. Inadequate knowledge and improper perception of patients regarding hypertension, and forgetfulness, insufficient healthcare services and medications supply, quality shortage of health services and lack of social support especially for older adult, are the most significant factors influencing the antihypertensive drug adherence. These factors can be applied in improving medication adherence programs, non-communicable disease control program in an extensive setting by involving patients, family members and public broadly. Additionally, quality building programs for health care providers and implementing universal health care coverage for the patients can be strengthened since both are related to quality of service and accessibility of health care system that are initial parts of medication adherence. Finally, short message service (SMS) by Ministry of Health as a reminder for medication as well as awareness should be applied.