Compliance to Medication Among Hypertensive Patients at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Southwestern Uganda

ABSTRACT

Hypertension has become an essential public-health challenge globally and is estimated to cause 7.1 million deaths annually, accounting for 13% of all deaths globally. It’s noted that non adherence is the major cause of uncontrolled hypertension and its sequel. Purpose of the study: To assess the level of compliance to medication among hypertensive patients at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIUTH), southwestern Uganda. Methods: A cross sectional study design was used employing a purposeful sampling technique, 37 hypertensive patients at KIUTH were enrolled and data was obtained using well-structured questionnaires. The Data obtained was analyzed using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). Results: There were 21 (56.8%) Females and 16 (43.2%) males. The age range was between 30 and 80 years with mean age of 54.5 years.56.8% diagnosed more than 2 years ago. Compliance medication was 62.2%. Reans for non-compliance included, with running out of drugs 38%, forgetfulness 31% and lack of funds to buy drugs 31% as the main reasons for missing medication. Other reasons for noncompliance included drug side effects (10.8%) and feeling better (5.4%). Compliance to exercise – 73% while 14% for diet. Solutions to the drug noncompliance included; improved health education (86.5%), making drugs affordable (64.9%), and making drugs available and accessible (54%). Conclusion: compliance to hypertensive medication, exercise and diet which are nonpharmacological management of hypertension was 62.2%, 73% and 14% respectively. The solutions to non-compliance include; improved health education, making drugs affordable, available and accessible.