EXPLORATION OF FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS ATTENDING NCDS SERVICES AT MUGONERO DISTRICT HOSPITAL, RWANDA

Abstract

Background: Adherence to long-term medications is a global concern. Hypertension is one of the top five causes of mortality in the world. The asymptomatic nature of this disease results in decreased motivation to adhere to medications that do not provide symptomatic relief in most cases. Poor adherence to long-term medication is a public health concern which may result into poor treatment outcome. Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to explore the factors contributing to adherence to treatment among hypertensive patients attending NCDS clinic at MUGONERO District Hospital. Specific objectives were (1) to identify socio-economic and demographic factors of patients contributing to poor adherence to treatment among hypertensive patients attending NCDs clinic at MUGONERO District Hospital, (2) to determine medical factors contributing to poor adherence to treatment among hypertensive patients attending NCDS clinic at MUGONERO District Hospital.