FACTORS AFFECTING UPTAKE OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICATION AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING KISUMU COUNTY AND REFERAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

This study aimed to explore factors affecting adherence to antihypertensive medication among patients at Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH) in Kenya, focusing on socio-demographic, healthcare system, and socio-cultural influences. A stratified random sampling method was used to select 57 patients from a total population of 161. Data collection involved informed consent, open-ended questionnaires, and interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to summarize socio-demographic features and adherence rates, while inferential statistics and thematic analysis were employed to identify patterns and relationships. Data visualization included pie charts, bar graphs, and line graphs to present findings. The research showed many respondents had limited formal education, with 28.1% having no formal education. This suggests that lower education levels may be associated with poorer adherence. Gender distribution was fairly even, but the effect of gender on adherence was less clear, with varying findings reported in existing research; Cost was identified as a significant barrier, with 28.1% of patients citing it as a reason for non-adherence. Challenges such as medication stock-outs and high costs were prevalent. Although not directly evaluated, the importance of effective doctor-patient communication in enhancing adherence was supported by literature and nearly half of the respondents (46.2%) reported having social support, while 28.7% did not. Additionally, 38.7% of patients had a poor understanding of their medication’s importance, which was associated with lower adherence. On Conclusion Education level, medication cost, doctor-patient communication, social support, and patient perception significantly impact adherence to antihypertensive medication. Higher education levels are generally associated with better adherence, while medication costs and poor communication are barriers. Social support and patient understanding also play crucial roles. I therefore recommend: to develop targeted community-based programs to improve knowledge about hypertension, particularly for those with lower education levels; to Introduce policies to lower medication costs, prevent stock-outs, and enhance access to healthcare for low-income individuals; Implement training for healthcare providers to strengthen communication and patient engagement through educational materials and counselling and Provide personalized education to improve patients’ understanding of their condition and the importance of adherence. This research will be used by the health policy planners for planning health sector.