ADHERENCE TO ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICATIONS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS ON FOLLOW UP AT GURAGHE ZONE HOSPITALS,CENTRAL ETHIOPIA NOV-DEC,2025

Abstract

Background: Optimal blood pressure control depends largely on patients’ adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medications. However, medication non-adherence continues to be a major challenge. In Ethiopia, although several studies have examined antihypertensive medication adherence, findings on associated factors vary, and evidence from Guraghe Zone hospitals is lacking. Method: A health institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November-1 to December-30, 2025 in three selected Hospitals of Guraghe Zone. A simple random sampling technique was used to select hospitals and study subjects were proportionally allocated. A total of 368 adult hypertensive patients on follow-up who visit during the study period were consecutively enrolled until the required sample attained. Medication adherence was assessed using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Data was entered into Epi Data version 4.7 and exported to SPSS version 23 software for further analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done at a 95% confidence interval (CI). A variable with a P-value 4.33) and duration of antihypertensive treatment for less than five years (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.10–0.94). Conclusion: Adherence to antihypertensive medication was found to be suboptimal. This study identified place of residence, educational level, blood pressure control status, use of health insurance coverage and duration of hypertension treatment as independent predictors of medication adherence. Therefore targeted counseling more focusing on first years of therapy and strengthening health insurance coverage is recommended