Examining Beliefs About Medicines and Drug Regimen Adherence Among Hypertensive Patients in Hamadan City, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Hypertension is one of the most important but modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. However, treatment adherence is an important factor in controlling hypertension and preventing its complications. This study examined the relationship between beliefs about medicines and drug regimen adherence among hypertensive patients living in Hamadan City, Iran, in 2019. Methods: A total of 570 patients with hypertension covered by comprehensive centers of urban health services in Hamadan from non-privileged, semi-privileged, and privileged areas were selected by multi-stage sampling method. Patients' treatment adherence was assessed with the Morisky medication scale and beliefs about medicines questionnaire (BMQ). The findings were analyzed using the Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: Of 570 patients, 45.7% had poor, 33.2% had moderate, and 21% had good drug adherence. Their mean score of medication belief was 57.99±7.40. Low medication adherence was significantly related to being divorced and widowed, low economic status, low physical activity, and coexistence of other diseases. However, better adherence was associated with blood pressure complications and shorter disease duration (P<0.05). A significant relationship was observed between medication adherence score and treatment harm belief (P=0.022) and drug-specific final belief (P=0.012). Conclusion: Most patients with hypertension lack good medication compliance. Beliefs related to drug therapy are effective only in the area of treatment harm and drug-specific beliefs on drug compliance of hypertensive patients

Keywords

• hypertension
• drug therapy
• treatment adherence and compliance