ABSTRACT
Hypertension remains as one of the most significant causes of morbidity in the world. The risk of severe hypertension might be reduced by adhering to antihypertensive drugs. Various factors were identified contributing to medication adherence in adults with hypertension. These factors are important to be considered in designing health programs to improve medication adherence in adults with hypertension. Purpose: This study investigated the medication adherence in adults with hypertension and examined determinants of medication adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional design was adopted to facilitate the survey of adults with hypertension. Roy’s Adaptation Model was used as the theoretical framework. The study was carried out in Lhokseumawe City, Aceh Province (Indonesia). The sample consisted of 140 participants. Focal, contextual and residual stimulus factors, and medication adherence were investigated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test the determinants of adherence. Results: The focal stimuli associated with medication adherence are gender (p=0.006), education level (p=0.000), occupation (p=0.006), monthly income (0.003), duration of hypertension (p=0.000), daily frequency of taking medication (p=0.002), repeat medical visits (0.000), and regular blood pressure check (0.000). The contextual stimuli associated with medication adherence are number of daily hypertension medications (p=0.045) and diet (p=0.003), the residual stimuli (social support) associated with medication adherence (p=0.012). The most significant determinant of medication adherence is focal stimuli, which is the education level [(OR=39.4) and (95% CI=2.5–615.2). Conclusion: The most significant determinant of medication adherence is focal stimuli, which is the education level.
