BACKGROUND

Medication compliance contributes to preventing significant morbidities, such as stroke, among hypertensive patients.

This study aimed to examine the factors affecting hypertensive patients' medication compliance in Sambag II, Cebu City.

This study is an observational cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in Barangay Sambag II of Cebu City and involved 170 random, voluntary, self-reporting hypertensive patients. The Tao Yamane formula was used to determine the sample size. An interviewer-guided survey questionnaire was utilized to collect the data for the pilot study. The data were analyzed using Cronbach’s Alpha Test for internal consistency and reliability.

Three factors were shown to influence compliance with antihypertensive medications. These are the source of medication, access to medication, and symptoms experienced before intake of anti-hypertensive medications. A factor that significantly affects compliance is the source of medication, wherein hypertensive patients prefer medications from retail pharmacies compared to the free medications supplied by the local health center.

Residents of Sambag II, Cebu City preferred medications from retail pharmacies over the free medications provided by the local health center. Local health units may use this information to implement information drugs regarding the efficacy of medications provided by government agencies. Further studies are recommended to use subgroup analysis on factors influencing compliance and non-compliance to anti-hypertensive medicines.

Background: Long-term treatment and medication compliance are critical for managing conditions like hypertension, yet only 20% of cases are well-controlled, mainly due to socioeconomic factors. The Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 offers a 20% discount on medications to improve compliance, but many seniors need to be made aware of these benefits. Evaluating satisfaction with the Act, specifically regarding its medication-related provisions, is essential for enhancing compliance and health outcomes among senior citizens. Objective: This study examined the association between satisfaction with the medication provisions of the Senior Citizens Act, the frequency of senior identification card usage, and medication compliance among hypertensive patients. Methods: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study with 458 hypertensive senior citizens in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, Philippines. Senior citizens were randomly selected and completed a survey using a validated, self-developed questionnaire and the Hill-Bone High Blood Pressure (HB-HBP) compliance scale. We performed linear regression analysis to examine the association between their satisfaction and the use of senior citizens’ benefits on their medication compliance. Results: Senior citizens were 60-88 years old (mean 69; standard deviation [SD] 5.9). Thirty-eight percent were satisfied with the Senior Citizens Act and 49% regularly used their senior citizen card. Senior citizens scored an average of 46.82 (SD 4.96) on the HB-HBP compliance scale (possible range = 14-56), indicating high compliance. Those dissatisfied with the Senior Citizens Act were less compliant with their antihypertensive medications [B (unstandardized beta) = -1.65, 95% CI (Confidence Interval) = -2.70, -0.61]. Similarly, those who rarely or never used their senior identification cards (B = -1.54, 95% CI = -2.61, -0.48) and those who used them occasionally (B = -1.43, 95% CI = -2.57, -0.29) showed lower medication compliance compared to those who used them regularly. Conclusion Senior citizens who are satisfied with the medication provisions of the Act and regularly use their senior identification cards exhibit higher compliance with their antihypertensive medications than those with lower satisfaction and infrequent card usage. Interventions should prioritize educational sessions to inform senior citizens about the benefits of the Senior Citizens Act, including how to use their identification cards to access medication discounts effectively.
Human ; hypertension ; medication adherence ; Philippines ; satisfaction ; personal satisfaction

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with adherence to treatment often influenced by socioeconomic status. This study assessed adherence to hypertension medication among patients in Quezon City across economic classes from August to October 2023. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional design was employed, surveying 116 hypertensive Filipinos aged 18-64 years using the Brief Medication Questionnaire-1 (BMQ-1) and socioeconomic classifications based on multiples of the poverty line. RESULTS: Findings revealed that 50.9% of respondents were adherent or probably adherent to treatment, while 49.1% exhibited low or probable low adherence. Those who are low adherent and probable low adherent are 1.399 times more likely to belong to the “Low Income and Below.”, though this association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Adherence to hypertension treatment among the respondents was suboptimal, particularly among the lower-income groups. While the association between socioeconomic status and adherence was not statistically significant, the findings underscore the need for interventions targeting financial barriers and improving healthcare accessibility. Addressing these challenges can enhance adherence levels and reduce the burden of hypertension and cardiovascular risks across socioeconomic strata.
Cardiovascular diseases ; hypertension ; prescription drugs ; medication adherence ; developing countries

BACKGROUND

There has been a growing prevalence of hypertension and its associated diseases. Medication adherence is one of the primary factors of uncontrolled blood pressure in patients and non-adherence to medication can result in morbidity and mortality for the patient and increased financial strain on the healthcare system. With the wide availability of mobile phones, using short messaging system (SMS) reminders as an intervention has shown promising results in improving medication adherence. The present study aims to see if SMS reminders can help improve medication adherence among hypertensive patients seen in the out-patient department.

To determine the effect of short messaging system reminders on the medication adherence among hypertensive patients seen in the outpatient department of Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) in a 12-week trial period.

This was a two-arm parallel group, double blind, randomized clinical trial using short text messaging reminder to hypertensive patients conducted last October 4, 2023 to December 27, 2023 at CSMC Outpatient Clinic under Family Medicine Service. A two-part questionnaire composed of baseline clinical variables and the Hill-bone Medication Adherence Scale (HBMAS) (Kim, et al 2000) was utilized pre- and post-intervention. STATA Software was used to analyze the date with intention to treat analysis. Descriptive statistics was computed for dichotomous variables while continuous variables were expressed as means and measured before and after intervention. The mean HB-MAS scores pre intervention and post-intervention per group were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, while scores between intervention and control groups pre- and post-intervention were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with two-sided p values reported and statistical significance set up at p < 0.05.

A total of 102 patients were enrolled in the study (51 in intervention group and 51 in control group) with no dropouts. There was no significant difference between the baseline and post intervention medication adherence scores in both the intervention and control groups, however, there was a significant difference of the scores between the intervention and control groups post intervention (p = 0.001). There was also noted improvement of the blood pressure among participants in the intervention group, with lower blood pressures post-intervention on average (120/80 mmHg) compared to baseline (130/90 mmHg), while participants in the control group still exhibited high blood pressure (130/90 mmHg) post-intervention.

Given the widespread availability of mobile devices and the increased awareness generated by social media, it may be easier to put interventions in place that improve drug adherence. Through the use of easily accessible technology, this study helps patients remember to take their prescription by offering straightforward reminders that can help them overcome these obstacles to medication adherence.

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is one of the top causes of death globally. Among Filipinos with hypertension, only 27% have their condition under control with treatment.

To determine the level of medication adherence of chronic hypertensive adult patients in Cebu South Medical Center.

Descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at Cebu South Medical Center from June to September 2023, to 63 participants via complete enumeration using a validated two-part questionnaire that asked for patient demographics and the Hill-Bone Medication Adherence Scale adapted into Bisaya. Descriptive statistics were used.

Out of the sixty-three (63) patients who participated in the study, there were only nine adherent respondents (30%), while the remaining majority (70%) were non adherent. The demographics showed that education and occupational background were likely to affect medication adherence. Gender had no significant effect on the level of medication adherence.

Medication non-adherence is common and prevalent among adults with chronic hypertension seen in Cebu South Medical Center. Education and occupational background affect non-adherence. Together with Local Government Units promotion of proper education on disease process and proper implementation of medical adherence, strengthening medication assistance and guidance for income-generating activities could improve adherence.

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is one of the leading chronic conditions that greatly impacts Filipino families. Medication non-adherence is a significant challenge in achieving optimal treatment outcomes for individuals with this condition.

This study determined the level of medication adherence and explored the associated factors contributing to nonadherence among patients with T2DM at Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) Family Medicine outpatient clinic.

A cross-sectional study was done in CSMC Family Medicine outpatient clinic from August to October 2023. A selfadministered questionnaire divided into three domains of non-adherence was adopted. Means, frequencies, and percentages were used to analyze level of adherence, sociodemographic and clinical factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine association of factors to medication non-adherence.

There was a total of 69 participants. Overall, there was partial adherence to T2DM medications. There was a high prevalence of partial adherence (39.1%) in the cost-related non-adherence (CRNA) domain. Factors that showed non-significant increased odds of non-adherence included older age (AOR 1.363, 95% CI 0.345-5.386), female sex (AOR 1.544, 95% CI 0.386-6.176), low income (AOR 1.05, 95% CI 0.352-3.135), increased frequency of daily medication intake (AOR 1.436, 95% CI 0.44-4.664), and less than 10 years duration of T2DM (AOR 1.99, 95% CI 0.46-8.637).

Adherence to diabetes medication may be affected by medication costs and financial status as reflected in the overall partial adherence, the high prevalence of partial adherence in CRNA domain, and the increased odds of non-adherence with low income. More studies should be done to investigate other possible contributing factors for non adherence to diabetes medication such as diabetes knowledge, patient’s self efficacy, and healthcare provider communication.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a key modifiable risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke, yet medication adherence remains low. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the management of chronic diseases like hypertension. This study aimed to explore the correlation between the patient-doctor relationship and medication adherence among hypertensive Filipinos aged 40-65 years in the Greater Manila Area during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 131 hypertensive Filipino participants. Data were collected through an online survey, assessing participant demographic and medical profiles, medication adherence using the Hill-Bone Compliance Scale (HBCS), and the patient-doctor relationship using the Physician-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire-9 (PDRQ-9). RESULTS: Approximately half of the participants demonstrated good adherence to hypertension medication. A weak but significant positive correlation was found between overall medication adherence and the patient-doctor relationship. The duration of anti-hypertensive drug intake also showed a weak positive correlation with medication adherence. Factors such as comorbidities and type of consultation did not significantly impact medication adherence. CONCLUSION This study emphasizes the significance of the patient-doctor relationship in medication adherence among hypertensive Filipinos during the COVID-19 pandemic. Enhancing communication and trust between patients and physicians can potentially improve medication adherence and overall disease management.
COVID-19 ; hypertension ; medication adherence ; perception ; anti-hypertensive agents ; cross- sectional

Background: Medication adherence is important to mitigate complications of NCDs. Hypertension and diabetes clubs were intended to make essential medications accessible to club members. Despite these efforts, patients avail treatment and management in acute care with noted complications. To address this problem, it is important to identify factors that affect patients’ adherence medication. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the factors affecting adherence to medications of members enrolled in the Hypertension and Diabetes Club in the district health centers in the city of Baguio. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a total of 374 respondents from the 16 different district health centers in the City of Baguio, obtained through random sampling. A validated questionnaire was utilized for the collection of data and was presented using percentage and frequency tables. A chi-square test was used to find the association of clinic-demographic data with respondents’ medication adherence. Results: Hypertension and Diabetic Club members overall reported good adherence to medication. Majority of the respondents are female and are older than 61 years old while comorbidities show significant association with level of adherence. On the other hand, lack of finances, feeling that the drug is not effective, multiple medications, taking medications for many years, interference with meal plan, feeling the dose is too high, and complexity of drug regimen are noted to be associated factors for non-adherence. Conclusion Hypertension and Diabetes Club a community-based management in the City of Baguio shows a good impact on patients’ medication adherence. Comorbidities, chronicity, good family support as well as good physician-patient relationship can positively affect adherence to medications. On the other hand, factors affecting medications non-adherence are: complexity of medications, subjective report that medication is too high, interference to meal, having medications for many years and having multiple medications. Identifying factors affecting adherence and nonadherence are important to decrease further complications of the common NCDs.
Non-communicable disease ; medication adherence

Background: Diabetes and psychiatric disorders often co-occur. The prevalence of depression in a person with diabetes is two times higher than that of the general population. During the last decade, the prevalence of diabetes in Vietnam has nearly doubled. However, there is little data regarding depressive symptoms among people with diabetes. Therefore, this study aims to explore the level of depressive symptoms and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Hanoi, Vietnam. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 519 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the Agricultural General Hospital, one of the largest primary care hospitals for diabetes in Hanoi, Vietnam. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms. Multivariate Tobit and logistic regression models were applied to examine factors associated with the severity of depressive symptoms and medication adherence Results: Approximately 45.2% of participants were identified as having depressive symptoms at different levels. The proportion of patients with mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe depressive symptoms is 36.0%, 7.6%, 1.4%, and 0.2% respectively. Regarding the treatment process, patients being treated for their diabetes for a longer time were more likely to have depressive symptoms. DDepression was positively linked to currently drinking alcohol (Coef = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.30-1.78), having comorbidities (Coef = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.15; 2.01) and having irregular physical activities (Coef = -1.28; 95% CI = -2.18; -0.38). Patients with severe depressive symptoms (higher PHQ-9 score) were more likely to be non-adherent to their medications in the last month (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.17; 1.46). Conclusion Our study shows that a high percentage of patients with diabetes have depressive symptoms. There is a strong association between having depressive symptoms and non-adherence to medications in the last month. To reduce the risk of developing depressive symptoms, depression should be screened at the initial treatment process and patients should be advised to avoid alcohol and to engage in physical activities regularly.
Depression ; Medication Adherence ; Vietnam

Introduction: Medication adherence and metabolic control remain suboptimal among patients with diabetes mellitus in Malaysia despite the clear benefits of reduced vascular complications and mortality risk. This study examined the factors associated with medication adherence and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a primary care clinic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a public health clinic in Pagoh, Johor, among 386 patients recruited via systematic random sampling. Data were obtained using a validated 7-item structured questionnaire, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test and medical record review. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with medication adherence. Results: The mean patient age was 60.04±10.75 years, and the mean HbA1c level was 8.3±2.0%. Approximately 60.3% of the participants were adherent to their medication, and an increasing age was significantly associated with medication nonadherence (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.959; confidence interval [CI]: 0.934–0.985). Medication adherence (adjusted OR: 2.688; CI: 1.534–4.708) and use of combined oral medications (adjusted OR: 5.604; CI: 3.078–10.203), combined oral medications with insulin (adjusted OR: 23.466; CI: 8.208–67.085) and insulin only (adjusted OR: 6.528; CI: 1.876–22.717) were associated with good glycaemic control. Older age (adjusted OR: 0.954; CI: 0.923–0.986) and Malay ethnicity (adjusted OR: 0.284; CI: 0.101–0.794) were associated with poor glycaemic control. Conclusion Suboptimal medication adherence and glycaemic control are prevalent in primary care settings, especially among elderly patients. Counselling should be targeted to patients and their caretakers to improve medication adherence and optimise metabolic control.
Medication Adherence ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Glycemic Control ; Glycated Hemoglobin