Adherence with Hypertension Prevention Measures among Hypertensive Patients Attending Clinics in Umaru Shehu Ultra-Modern Hospital, Maiduguri

Abstract

Hypertension remains a major global public health challenge, with suboptimal adherence to prevention measures contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. This study assessed adherence to hypertension prevention measures among hypertensive patients attending clinics in Umaru Shehu Ultra-Modern Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, and data were collected from 350 hypertensive patients through a structured, pretested questionnaire. Respondents were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, employing descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, as well as Chi-square tests to examine associations between adherence levels and socio-demographic variables. Results showed that adherence to lifestyle modification measures was moderate, with higher compliance to dietary control and reduced salt intake, but lower adherence to regular physical activity and weight management. Blood pressure monitoring routines showed relatively better adherence, though home monitoring was inconsistent. Factors influencing adherence included affordability of care, quality of counselling, presence of side effects, family support, and cultural or religious beliefs. No significant association was found between adherence level and socio-demographic characteristics. The study concludes that multiple, interrelated factors hinder optimal adherence to hypertension prevention measures. It recommends strengthening patient education, enhancing counselling services, improving access to affordable care, promoting physical activity, leveraging family and community support, addressing cultural barriers, and implementing reminder systems to improve adherence.