COMPLIANCE OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS TO MANAGEMENT IN DUHOK GOVERNORATE USING MORISKY-GREEN TEST

Abstract

Background Hypertension forms a major public health problem in Kurdistan region, IraqGood compliance to antihypertensive drugs is a key factor in controlling blood pressure.Aim To study compliance of patients toward management of hypertension in Duhok city,Iraq.Patients and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during four months period in2007. The inclusion criteria were patients eighteen years of age and above who were knownto be hypertensive for not less than one year. Information was obtained by direct interview. AMorisky-Green test was adopted to assess compliance to medication.Results A total of 707 patients were recruited for the study. The study revealed a 54.6%compliance rate. Statistically significant associations were found between compliance rate byMoriskey-Green test and old age, female gender, low level of education, averagesocioeconomic status, long history of disease, knowledge of using medication, perception ofhypertension as a health risk, presence of associated illnesses and practicing of life stylechanges.Conclusions and Recommendations More attention should be paid by health authorities andpatients to the hypertension problem. Patients should be aware about the importance ofcompliance to medications. Emphasis on Health education of hypertensive patients thatattend primary health care centers about importance of compliance to medication andcomplication of hypertension through planned health education program.