Abstract
Introduction: The study aimed to identify and understand the obstacles that hinder adherence to antihypertensive medication among adult hypertension patients in private healthcare facilities in the Edenvale area in Gauteng, South Africa. The literature indicated that there is a lack of understanding from patients on the potential negative impact of not adhering to their hypertension medication. This study provided information that will guide private healthcare practitioners in promoting patients’ adherence to hypertensive medication to improve their health outcomes.
Study objectives: Overall, this study aimed to identify barriers to adherence to antihypertensive medication among adult hypertension patients in private healthcare facilities in the Edenvale area in Gauteng, South Africa.
Methodology: This study utilised quantitative research design, targeting adult hypertensive patients who access private healthcare facilities. Simple random sampling was applied to the study, which yielded 122 valid responses from an online survey that was sent out to selected participants from a patients’ list. The data was analysed in Stata software, at 95% confidence intervals, and at 5% significance levels. Descriptive statistics in the form of frequency tables are presented, followed by factor analysis, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis.
Results: The study results indicated that being aware of possible barriers to medication adherence increased the likelihood of individuals taking proactive measures to overcome these barriers (β = 0.18, p<.05). Additionally, the study found that actively addressing actual barriers strongly predicted improved adherence to medication (β = 0.77, p<.01). The results suggest that a unit improvement in reducing actual barriers is likely to improve medication uptake and adherence by as much as 77%, while perceived barriers are likely to improve adherence by only 18%.
Conclusion: The study found that there is a direct link between barriers to medication and adherence to medication. The study recommended that healthcare providers assess and discuss potential barriers with patients, provide support and education, and address actual barriers, such as cost and access through resources and assistance.