Abstract

Uncontrolled hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease; poor medication adherence and persistence have been identified as a significant contributing factor. To determine the level of patient’s persistence and adherence to antihypertensive drugs, diet, exercise and other socio demographic factors. A descriptive, crosssectional study was carried out in some selected community Pharmacies in Benin City. A structured questionnaire consisting of both open and close ended questions on socio demographic, adherence, medication persistence and lifestyle modifications. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22 for descriptive analysis and Graph pad Instat version 3.0 for inferential analysis. Of 240 people participated, 123 (51.2%) were men, 197 (82.1%) take their drugs once daily, 128 (53.3%) reported that if drugs were free, they would take it regularly. About (60.8%) were on antihypertensive for <5 years, 93 (38.8%) adjusted salt intake. Price of drugs had a significant effect on the level of adherence (p-value=0.0435), (59.6%) were persistent with their medication and 50% of the patients with low adherence were persistent. Majority of respondents had high adherence to DASH diet and low level of medication adherence which was significantly associated with the price of drugs. Many were persistent with their medication regimen but the level of persistence was not significantly associated with socio demographic.

Keywords: Persistence; Adherence; Community pharmacy; Hypertension; Medications; Diet