Experiences and Perceptions of Medication Non-Adherence Among Hypertensive Patients: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND

Medication non adherence is a major contributor to poor blood pressure control and increases cardiovascular risk among patients with hypertension. This study aims to explore the experiences and perceptions related to medication non-adherence among hypertensive patients.

METHODS

This study used a descriptive qualitative design. Face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted between March and June 2024. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The deductive content analysis based on the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Three main themes and eight subthemes were identified. The three themes are respectively: emotional representations, cognitive representations and medication-taking coping behaviour.

CONCLUSION

This study found the interplay among emotional burden, cognitive representations and coping strategies that contributes to medication non-adherence in patients with hypertension. The findings highlight the critical role of psychological support, cognitive interventions and strengthening self-regulation abilities in promoting medication adherence among hypertensive patients.