A Cross-Sectional Study To Assess The Drug Adherence And Awareness Of Hypertension Among Hypertensive Stroke Patients In A Selected Hospital, Bangalore

Introduction: Hypertension is the most prevalent modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Among many factors, low adherence to anti-hypertensive drugs is the main contributing factor for poor control of blood pressure among hypertensive patients. The aim of this study is to assess the awareness on hypertension, level of adherence to anti-hypertensive medication and to assess the risk factors that led to stroke among the hypertensive patients in a selected hospital at Bangalore. Methods: A cross-sectional approach with consecutive sampling, 30 hypertensive patients with stroke from Baptist hospital were selected between March 2024 to August 2024. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: Among 30 participants, nearly half of them i.e., 46.6% were aged between 51-60 years, 70% of the participants had a family history of hypertension, 73.3% of the participants had Ischemic stroke and only 7% had a positive family history of stroke. The duration between the diagnosis and occurrence of stroke was 1-5 years among 70% of participants. 36.6% did not go for a review in the past 6 months after being diagnosed with hypertension. According to the Morisky drug scores only 16.6% were moderately adherent to prescribed anti-hypertensive treatment compared to 83.3% who were poorly adherent. The leading reason for poor drug adherence were lack of knowledge of hypertensive treatment (30%), resistance to start medication (23.3%), financial implication (20%), fear of side effects (13.3%), belief in natural remedies (10%) and to avoid pill load (3.3%). Discussion: Adherence to anti-hypertensive drugs remains a challenge. This has attributed to a lack of adequate knowledge and resistance to start medications. Findings suggest and recommend that there is an urgent need on emphasizing hypertension awareness, screening for hypertension, importance of BP control and strict drug adherence in stroke prevention.