Age as a major factor affecting adherence to medication for hypertension in a general practice population

An audit of the treatment of hypertension in a general practice revealed that 51 out of 246 patients prescribed medication did not collect their monthly supply of drugs. There were no significant differences between the adherers and the non-adherers in sex, severity of hypertension, type or complexity of medication. The patient's age was the only factor which was associated with adherence. Patients under the age of 55 years or over 65 years had significantly lower adherence than those aged 55-64 years. Most previous studies coming from hospital-based or clinical trial populations have failed to demonstrate this association with age which may be characteristic of an unselected general practice population. The results may not be applicable to populations of different social or cultural background but they suggest appropriate directions for health promotion efforts in our community.