ABSTRACT
Hypertension is the biggest single contributor to the global burden of diseases, accounting for an increase in the risk of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. It is usually asymptomatic and only detected during routine check-ups or opportunistic screening. This is why it is known as the silent killer. Although the pathways that regulate normal blood pressure are understood to an extent, the causes of hypertension in most individuals remain unknown. Despite advancement in antihypertensive treatment, more than half of hypertension patients were still unable to achieve well-controlled blood pressure level. A major contributing factor to this is poor medication adherence. This study aimed to determine the barriers to adherence to hypertensive medication as well as the knowledge and perception of hypertension patients towards hypertension management.
This qualitative study employed focus group discussion with about 15 hypertensive patients recruited via purposive sampling. After obtaining appropriate permission from the participants a total of three focus group discussions with semi-structured interview was carried out, conversations were audio recorded and documented. Participants’ replies were also transcribed verbatim and analyzed.
Four major themes were developed in the course of the study including medication adherence among hypertensive participants, participants’ knowledge on hypertension, management of hypertension and perception on health. The most part of the participants adhered strictly to therapy without engaging alternative medication. Though majority of the participants have seldom employed lifestyle modifications, a good number have adequate knowledge on side effect and complications of hypertension.
The participants had a fair perception on health. A good number of the participants had adequate knowledge on hypertension, and managed their blood pressure appropriately. The best part of the participants had no barriers to adherence
Key words: hypertension management, focus group, medication adherence
