Influence of Patient Satisfaction on Medication Adherence among Adult Hypertensives Attending a Health Facility in a Resource-Limited Environment in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a noncommunicable disease known to cause serious morbidity and mortality among adult population. In Nigeria, a developing nation currently experiencing harsh economic realities, the outcome of the disease can be influenced by the effect of various components of patient satisfaction on medication adherence. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of patient satisfaction on medication adherence and BP control among adult hypertensives attending the Medical OutPatient (MOP) Clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, with a view to identifying those aspects of care that need improvement in health care settings thereby leading to improved patient satisfaction, better medication adherence and ultimately better BP control. Patients, Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 200 adult hypertensive patients attending the MOP Clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, from January 15th to April 15th, 2017. A semi-structured questionnaire consisting of four sections which are: sociodemographic characteristics, Modified 4-item Morisky Medication Adherence scale, patient satisfaction levels with services, and BP measurement were used for data collection. Results: A greater proportion 87 (43.5%) of the respondents rated overall satisfaction with care received as very good, while 23 (11.5%) rated it as being fair. A statistically significant relationship was noticed between overall levels of satisfaction with care and medication adherence, P < 0.001. The level of BP control among the respondents was also significantly associated with medication adherence, P < 0.001. Conclusion: Patient satisfaction was seen to have a significant association with medication adherence but not BP control. The custodians of health should endeavor to improve patient satisfaction among patients in the hospital as this study showed improved patient satisfaction to be associated with increased patient adherence to medication with attendant better BP control.