Association Between Cost-Related Medication Nonadherence and Hypertension Management Among US Adults

Medication nonadherence is an important element of uncontrolled hypertension. Financial factors frequently contribute to nonadherence. The objective of this study was to examine the association between cost-related medication nonadherence (CRMN) and self-reported antihypertensive medication use and self-reported normal blood pressure among US adults with self-reported hypertension.

Participants with self-reported hypertension from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey were included (n = 7,498). CRMN was defined using standard questions. Hypertension management included: (i) self-reported current antihypertensive medication use and (ii) self-reported normal blood pressure within the past 12 months. Adjusted prevalence and prevalence ratios of hypertension management indicators among those with and without CRMN were estimated.

Overall, 10.7% reported CRMN, 83.6% reported current antihypertensive medication use, and 67.4% reported normal blood pressure within past 12 months. Adjusted percentages of current antihypertensive medication use (88.6% vs. 82.9%, P < 0.001) and self-reported normal blood pressure (69.8% vs. 59.5%, P = 0.002) were higher among those without CRMN compared with those with CRMN. Adjusted prevalence ratios showed that, compared with those with CRMN, those without CRMN were more likely to report current antihypertensive medication use (odds ratio = 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.12) and self-reported normal blood pressure (1.15 (1.07-1.23)).

Among US adults with self-reported hypertension, those without CRMN were more likely to report current antihypertensive medication use and normal blood pressure within the past 12 months. Financial barriers to medication adherence persist and impact hypertension management.