Abstract:
Background: Non-adherence to antihypertensives increases the burden of hypertension-related complications which directly
impacts on the rising cost of health care services.The role of family support in adherence to hypertensive medication is receiving
renewed attention.
Objectives: The aim of the studywas to determine the effect of perceived family support on hypertensive medication adherence with
the overall purpose of achieving optimal blood pressure control among adults on hypertensive medications.
Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study of adult hypertensive patients attending the GOPC of Federal Medical
st st Centre Makurdi from 1 February to 31 May 2013. Using a systematic sampling technique, 304 patients were recruited for the study.
An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, level of
perceived family support, medication adherence and blood pressure status of the patient. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Chi square test was used to determine the relationship between categorical variables; multivariate logistic regression was used to
determine the independent factors for adherence. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: Two hundred and twelve (69.7%) of the 304 respondents had strong perceived family support; 194 (63.8%) had good
adherence to their anti-hypertensives; and 150 (49.3%) had their blood pressure controlled. There was a statistically significant
2 relationship between strong perceived family support and good medication adherence (χ=76.71, df = 1, p<0.001), as well as optimal
2 blood pressure control (χ= 16.76, df =1, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Strong perceived family support has a positive impact on adherence to hypertensive medications, which in turn
promotes optimal blood pressure control. Primary care physicians should explore the factors strengthening family ties in their
patients and harness these to promote medication adherence for optimal blood pressure control.
