Abstracto

Predictors of patient non-adherence to antihypertensive medications and its economic burden on the health system of saudi arabia.

Madiha R Mahmoud, Hemat E El-Horany, Amna A Metwaly, Halima M Elagib, Fahaad S Alenazi, Aseenat M Bani Mfrrij, Neama R Youssef, Azza M Fahmy, Mohamed E Ghoniem

Introduction: Non-adherence to antihypertensive drugs is the primary contributor to poor blood pressure regulation, which has resulted in several consequences as well as a significant economic effect ranging from higher financial expenditures of public health services to lost productivity.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of non-adherence to antihypertensive drugs in the Hail region, as well as the economic effect factors on SaudAi rabia.

Methods: From October 2020 to March 2021, 270 patients with hypertension were randomly recruited from outpatient Medical University Hail Polyclinics for cross-sectional research in the Hail region. An interview with patients was conducted to gather information regarding their sociodemographic status, medicationrelated characteristics, clinical data, and completion of the Morisky medication adherence scale.

Results: 36.7 percent of patients reported noncompliance with antihypertensive treatment. Those patients who were no adherent to antihypertensive drugs were as followed; 72.7% of elderly patients (>70 years old), 80% were uneducated. On the other hand, 69.9% of hypertensive patients with good medication adherence follow the physician's instructions and get enough explanation about their medications. Approximately 55% of participants rely on government medical insurance, 5.6% rely on private medical insurance, and 35.5 percent rely on personal funds.

Conclusion: Non-adherence to treatment was found in almost one-third of Hail's hypertensive patients. As a result, policies and interventions that increase patient education and physician-patient relationships in health care settings are required. Future studies should be conducted to identify the hurdles to medication adherence among hypertension patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.