Adherence to Antihypertensive Medications Among Elderly Patients at General Hospitals in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

Poor medication adherence among elderly hypertensive patients is a major contributor to uncontrolled blood pressure and cardiovascular complications in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the level of and barriers to antihypertensive medication adherence among elderly patients attending outpatient clinics in general hospitals in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 280 patients aged 60 years and above was conducted using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale alongside a supplementary questionnaire on barriers to adherence. Blood pressure readings were also recorded from patient files. The study found that only 39 percent of respondents demonstrated high adherence, while 42 percent showed low adherence. Common barriers included forgetfulness, perceived drug side effects, cost of medications, and belief in herbal alternatives. Patients who received regular pharmacist counseling showed significantly higher adherence rates. Blood pressure control was poorly correlated with low adherence scores. The findings emphasize the critical need for structured, pharmacist-led adherence support programs tailored to the elderly population in Sokoto State. Recommendations include simplified medication regimens, pill organizer distribution, and integration of community health worker support for medication reminders. Pharmacists in this region are encouraged to adopt collaborative chronic disease management models with physicians to improve outcomes for hypertensive elderly patients. Keywords: antihypertensive adherence, elderly patients, Sokoto State, medication compliance, hypertension management