Self-Reported Adherence to Antihypertensive Drugs in a Nigerian Population Using the Morrisky Medication Adherence Scale.” Nig. Quart. J. Hosp. Med., 24(2) Apr-Jun.
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Date
2014
Authors
Amadi, C.E.
Adeyemi, O.A.
Joda, A.E.
Mbakwem, A.C.
Ajuluchukwu, J.N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine
Abstract
Background: Poor adherence to medications is one of the reasons for dismal outcomes in hypertensives. Only about one-third of hypertensives have good BP control, largely caused by poor adherence to medications. Although there are few studies in Nigeria that have studied self-reported medication adherence in hypertensives none was done with a validated instrument. Objective: This study was done to assess self-reported adherence to medication in Nigerian hypertensives using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving adult hypertensives attending the Medical Outpatient Clinics of three District Hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria was carried out between September and October 2012. A standard, structured and self-administered questionnaire containing socio-demographic data and relevant medical history was administered to consenting participants. The outcome measure was the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Good adherence was defined as MMAS score of 8.
Results: Complete data from 768 respondents was analysed. The mean age of the study population was 57.53 years, with a female preponderance of 69.1%. The mean adherence value on the MMAS-8 instrument was 6.31± 1.56 while the prevalence of good adherence i.e. MMAS-8 score of 8 was 22.8%. Two hundred and twenty seven (29.6%) of the study population had good BP control (BP<140/90mmHg). Age and to a lesser degree female gender were predictors of adherence.
Conclusion: Using the MMAS-8 instrument adherence level to antihypertensives is lower than previously reported and control of BP is still poor. Effective communication with patients is advocated to improve adherence.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
Medication adherence , Morisky Scale , Blood pressure , Out-patients , Self-reported adherence , Research Subject Categories::PHARMACY
Citation
Amadi, C.E, Adeyemi, O.A., Joda, A.E., Mbakwem, A.C and Ajuluchukwu, J.N. (2014). Self-Reported Adherence to Antihypertensive Drugs in a Nigerian Population Using the Morrisky Medication Adherence Scale. Nig. Quart. J. Hosp. Med., 24(2) Apr-Jun.