Preferred Treatment Regimen for Hypertension among Hypertensive Patients attending Outpatient Clinic in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti

Approximately one billion people worldwide suffer from uncontrolled hypertension, and by 2025, that number is expected to rise to 1.5 billion. This study assessed the preferred regimen for hypertensive Patient among outpatient clinic in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. A descriptive design was used and a total number of 108 hypertensive patient in the outpatient clinic of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital were recruited for the study using purposive sampling technique and data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics represented in tables and chart and chi square was used to analyze hypothesis using SPSS version 27.The study revealed that there was 91(91.0%) high adherence to medication regimen and 9(9.0%) low adherence to medication regimen. The factors influencing the preferred regimen for hypertensive patient include: availability of drugs in the chemists 79(79.0%), cost (unable to afford) 56(56.0%), busy schedule 58(58.0%), inadequate healthcare services 51(51.0%), lack of social support 56(56.0%), number of drugs taken per day 60(60.0%). The study also revealed that majority 29(29.0%) of the respondents are somewhat satisfied with the affordability of their current antihypertensive medication(s), 26(26.0%) are neutral, 22(22.0%) are very satisfied, 15(15.0%) are somewhat dissatisfied while 8(8.0%) are very dissatisfied. Findings also revealed that there is no significant relationship between age and adherence to medication regimen. However, there is a significant relationship between: cost, lack of social support, lack of immediate benefits of treatment and level of adherence to medication regimen for hypertensive Patient. Based on these findings, recommendations were made for the government to provide health insurance coverage that includes the coverage for antihypertensive medications. Keywords: Hypertensive patient, Outpatient clinic, Preferred regimen, Treatment,