KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE DRUGS AND ADHERENCE TO THERAPY AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Hypertension represents a worldwide public health issue, being one of the main risk factors for developing cardiovascular diseases. The poor compliance with the prescribed antihypertensive therapy represents a critical problem that hinders the adequate control of blood pressure, leads to a higher risk of comorbidities, hospitalizations, and healthcare expenses. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice related to the prescribed antihypertensive drugs and evaluate the medication adherence in hypertensive patients in a tertiary care hospital. The prospective, cross-sectional study design was employed with a structured questionnaire designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the patients. The medication adherence was assessed by using a validated instrument designed to evaluate medication adherence. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to establish the relation between patient characteristics, knowledge, attitude, practice, and adherence. The results show that a higher knowledge and a positive attitude towards hypertension and its treatment led to a good medication adherence and healthy self-care practices. Poor knowledge and a negative attitude contributed to low adherence and an unsatisfactory management of the disease. This study provides evidence of the vital role of patient education and ongoing counseling for improved antihypertensive treatment compliance. The role of pharmacist-led interventions (individualized counseling, frequent follow-up) for increased patients’ knowledge of hypertension and adherence to the therapy is recommended to improve the clinical outcomes. Enhancing education and enhancing the compliance can be regarded as necessary tools for optimal control of hypertension.