A Questionnaire Based Assessment of Compliance to Hypertensive Drugs in Govt Primary Health Centre Chinnalapatti, Dindigul District

Dr. M. Priyalakshmi, Dr. M. Shanthi, Dr. M. S. Ahil, Dr. K. M. S. Susila

Abstract: . BACKGROUND.Noncompliance to antihypertensive drugs is a major reason for poor control of hypertension worldwide.Aim and objective:To assess the level of compliance to antihypertensive therapy and to identify the factors contributing to poor compliance in primary care hypertensive patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS.A cross sectional objective questionnaire based observational study involving Hundred hypertensive patients who are already on treatment in Govt Primary Health Centre, Chinnalapatti.Adherence was measured using a validated survey form consisting of twelve questions.Patient demographic data, diagnosis and treatment particulars were collected from record maintained in NCD clinic.RESULTS.Good compliance with drug treatment was observed in 44% of the respondents and poor compliance among the others.Poor compliance was found to be mainly due to forgetfulness to take drugs (64%), selfwithdrawal of drugs after normal BP recordings(61%), on improvement of symptoms (32%), and on worsening of symptoms (27%).CONCLUSION.The medication adherence rate was found to be low among Primary Care hypertensive patients.This will negatively affect the blood pressure control.No doubt there is a need to invent more effective education strategies directed towards the public in general and the patients in particular

Keywords: Antihypertensive drugs, Compliance, Primary care patients.