Evaluation of Patient Adherence to Antihypertensive Medications in a General Hospital in Lagos State

Poor adherence to antihypertensive medications is a leading cause of uncontrolled blood pressure and preventable cardiovascular morbidity in Nigeria. This study evaluated the level of adherence to antihypertensive medications among hypertensive patients attending the outpatient clinic of a general hospital in Ikeja, Lagos State, South West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 consecutively recruited adult patients with a confirmed hypertension diagnosis who were on at least one antihypertensive drug for a minimum of six months. Adherence was assessed using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Blood pressure readings were obtained from medical records. Sociodemographic and pharmacotherapy data were collected via structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results indicated that only 38.5 percent of patients demonstrated high adherence (MMAS-8 score of 8). Moderate adherence was recorded in 41.0 percent and low adherence in 20.5 percent of participants. Uncontrolled blood pressure was significantly more prevalent among low-adherence patients (p < 0.001). Forgetfulness was the most frequently cited reason for missed doses, reported by 54.3 percent of non-adherent patients. Pill burden, adverse drug reactions, and cost of medications were additional barriers identified. The study recommends pharmacist-led medication counselling, patient education programmes, and simplified antihypertensive regimens as targeted interventions to improve adherence and blood pressure outcomes in this patient population. Keywords: medication adherence, antihypertensives, hypertension, MMAS-8, Lagos State