Factors Influencing the Level of Adherence to Treatment Protocols Among Hypertensive Out-Patients in Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of disabilities and deaths in both developed and developing countries. Proven and evidenced-based strategies are needed to implement interventions to control it effectively. Appropriate lifestyle changes often called non-pharmacological approaches that are overlooked many times are the cornerstones of its prevention and control. The study examined the factors that influenced adherence to treatment protocols among patients with hypertension at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 129 from the target population. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and they were presented in frequency tables and chart. The study revealed that less than half of the respondents 57(44.2%) had good level of knowledge while 30(23.3%) had poor knowledge level of hypertension and its treatment protocols. It was also revealed that expensive drugs, long duration of treatment regimen, forgetfulness of check-ups, beliefs and values, attitudes of doctors and nurses in the hospital, side effects of anti-hypertensive drugs and level of knowledge about the disease and its treatment protocols were important factors that influenced adherence to treatment regimens among respondents. Adherence to treatment protocols among hypertensive patients was low in this study, hence, patients should be educated and given necessary supports to imbibe the recommended lifestyle modifications that can help them to control their blood pressures and live optimally.