FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ADHERENCE TO ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE TREATMENTS IN KABGAYI HOSPITAL, RWANDA

Abstract: Adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment is essential for controlling hypertension and preventing complications such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. However, poor adherence remains a significant challenge in many low-resource settings. This study assessed factors associated with adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment among hypertensive patients in the Kabgayi Hospital catchment area, Rwanda. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 hypertensive patients selected through consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with adherence. The findings revealed low adherence levels, with only 14.6% of participants demonstrating high medication adherence, while 51.4% exhibited low adherence and 45.0% reported missing at least one dose within the previous two weeks. Financial constraints (62.2%) and out-of-pocket expenditures for medicines due to stock-outs at health facilities significantly reduced adherence (AOR = 0.52, p = 0.002; AOR = 0.55, p = 0.018), whereas health insurance positively influenced adherence (AOR = 1.70, p = 0.025). Healthcare system factors, including shorter waiting times, consistent medication availability, accessibility of health facilities, and patient satisfaction, significantly improved adherence (AOR = 1.65–2.50, p < 0.05). Patient education, understanding of treatment consequences, and motivation were also significant predictors, with motivation showing the strongest association (AOR = 2.80, p < 0.001). The study concludes that adherence remains suboptimal and recommends strengthening medication availability, financial protection mechanisms, patient education, and motivational support to improve treatment outcomes among hypertensive patients. Keywords: Hypertension, treatment adherence, anti-hypertensive medication, healthcare accessibility, patient motivation, Rwanda. Title: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ADHERENCE TO ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE TREATMENTS IN KABGAYI HOSPITAL, RWANDA Author: Kayitesi Antoinette, Dr. Michael Habtu, Dr. Amos Habimana International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026 Page No: 198-213 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 12-June-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20664616 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/factors-associated-with-adherence-to-anti-hypertensive-treatments-in-kabgayi-hospital-rwanda