Abstract

The Uganda office of the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that four out of ten
Ugandans have high blood pressure, but low adherence to hypertension medications remains
a public health challenge. A study was conducted to assess factors influencing adherence to
hypertension medication among patients attending KIUTH in Bushenyi District, Uganda. The
majority of participants were female, with 47% having hypertension for over five years and
63% having a family history of hypertension. 80% could name their drug, 60% understood the
dose, and all knew the frequency and time to take their medication. However, over half of
the respondents (56.7%) were unaware of the adverse effects of their medication. Adherence
was generally good (62%), but 63% did not take their medication on some days. Variables
impacting adherence to hypertension therapy included affordability, clinic attendance,
education level, waiting time, and accessibility