Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Drug compliance among hypertensive patients in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
M R Akpa1, D I Agomuoh, O J Odia
1Department of Medicine, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Insights
Good adherence to high blood pressure medication is crucial for reducing cardiovascular risks. This study found that taking one daily pill, especially with higher education, significantly improves patient compliance with antihypertensive therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- Effective blood pressure control is essential for mitigating cardiovascular complications.
- Achieving adequate blood pressure control hinges on patient adherence to prescribed antihypertensive treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the level of patient compliance with antihypertensive medications.
- To identify factors influencing adherence to hypertension treatment regimens.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 100 patients (aged 30-79) at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
- Direct patient interviews using a structured questionnaire to gather data on drug compliance.
- Data analysis of responses to determine compliance rates based on various factors.
Main Results:
- Overall good compliance was reported by 60% of patients, with fair compliance in 29% and poor compliance in 11%.
- Higher educational attainment correlated with better compliance rates (67% for tertiary education vs. 41% for primary).
- Monotherapy (one drug) showed significantly higher compliance (74%) compared to polytherapy (33% for four drugs).
- Single daily dosing regimens resulted in better compliance (70%) than twice (55%) or thrice daily (17%) dosing.
Conclusions:
- Antihypertensive therapy compliance is optimized with single-drug regimens (monotherapy) and simple dosing schedules.
- Patient education plays a significant role in improving adherence to hypertension management.
- Simplifying medication regimens can enhance treatment effectiveness and reduce cardiovascular risks.
Background:
Hypertension contributes significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Adequate blood pressure control would therefore reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, however adequate blood pressure control requires good treatment compliance.
Methods:
One hundred consecutive patients aged 30-79 years attending the cardiac clinic of the medical out-patients clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital were directly questioned about compliance with their antihypertensive drugs and results entered into the questionnaire designed for the study.
Results:
Compliance was good in sixty percent (60%) of respondents, fair in twenty nine percent (29%) and poor in eleven percent (11%). Compliance was also found to be good in sixty-seven percent (67%) of patients with tertiary education, good in forty one percent (41%) of those with primary education. Compliance was good in seventy four percent (74%) of those taking one drug, good in only thirty three percent (33%) of those taking four drugs. Patients taking single daily dose drugs had good compliance in seventy percent (70%), twice daily dosing had good compliance in fifty five percent (55%) and among those taking thrice daily dosage, compliance was good in only seventeen percent (17%).
Conclusion:
The study shows that good compliance with anti-hypertensive therapy is best achieved with monotherapy given as single dosage. It also shows the role of education in the level of compliance.
Related Concept Videos
Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Several factors...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Hypertension I: Introduction
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Hypertension V: Nursing Management

