Factors Influencing Non-Adherence to Antihypertensive Medications Among Patients at SGTH, Swat

Objective To identify the factors influencing non-adherence to antihypertensive medications (AHMs) among patients at SGTH, Swat. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on hypertensive patients at Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals (SGTH), Swat, from October 10 to November 4, 2024. Data was collected by in-person interviews using a standardized questionnaire that included the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) to determine adherence. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, and the factors influencing non-adherence were identified by logistic regression. Results A total of 228 patients participated in the study, with 117 (51.3%) female and 111 (48.7%) male participants, and a mean age of 55.35 ± 13.65 years. The study found a high prevalence of non-adherence to AHMs, with 166 patients (72.8%) classified as non-adherent. Logistic regression analysis identified several factors associated with non-adherence, including low education levels, low to medium income, high cholesterol, depression, duration of hypertension, the complexity of medication regimens, side effects, and recent hospitalization. Conclusion In conclusion, this study highlights a significant issue of non-adherence to AHMs among patients at SGTH, Swat. Contributing factors include low education, limited income, comorbidities, complex regimens, side effects, and recent hospitalization. Addressing these factors can help healthcare providers improve medication adherence and enhance patient outcomes.