Treatment Adherence and Quality of Life of Adults Living With Hypertension in Rural Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim We determined treatment adherence and quality of life of adults living with hypertension in rural Ghana. Design A quantitative cross‐sectional survey was conducted. Method We randomly sampled 351 persons diagnosed with hypertension at the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu, Ghana. A shortened version of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life (WHOQOL‐BREF) questionnaire was used, and information on treatment adherence was collected using a modified Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Data analyses were conducted with the aid of SPSS 23.0 at a 95% confidence level. Results The study revealed a high rate of treatment adherence, 226 (64%) with low quality of life among the participants. Adherence to treatment was more associated with the males compared to females. The social health dimension of the quality of life was significantly associated with treatment adherence. The role of social networks in enhancing adherence was a major finding in this study and could be harnessed by nurses and midwives to improve the lives of persons diagnosed with hypertension. It is recommended that measures that promote remembrance and reduce forgetfulness regarding hypertension medications, such as mobile health and digital technologies, be implemented by health workers to enhance treatment adherence. Further, measures aimed at improving resource allocation for women in rural communities, such as women‐economic empowerment programmes, are encouraged to enhance health‐seeking and treatment adherence. Patient or Public Contribution None.

Keywords

• hypertension
• quality of life
• rural Ghana
• treatment adherence