Effectiveness of Educational Interventions to Improve Medication Adherence among Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Aim: To assess the impact of pharmacist’s interventions on awareness and knowledge of hypertension among patients. Methods: This study was a prospective cross- sectional study conducted in different areas of Dakshina Kannada district, used a study group comprised 150 individuals, diagnosed with hypertension and on oral antihypertensive agents. Study was conducted for duration of 6 months (September 2019 to March 2020). For education intervention, the patients were categorized into highly adherent, medium adherent and low adherent based on 8 item MMAS (Morisky Medication Adherence Scale) . High adherent patients were provided with teach- back patient counseling. Medium adherent patients were provided with teach- back method patient counseling and patient information leaflet. Low adherent patients were provided with audio-visual aids, teach-back method patient counseling and patient information leaflet. After 2 months, patients were followed up for review and their medication adherence will be checked again using 8 items MMAS (Morisky Medication Adherence Scale). Results: The results of medication adherence rates using Morisky scale in the Pretest, among study participants only 11.3% of the population was found to be high adherent which significantly shows the decrease in the adherence rates. 34% had moderately adherence and the remaining 54% were low adherent. After follow-up (Posttest), 54 subjects were found to be high adherent which shows the significant increase in adherence rates. 43 subjects were still moderately adherent and the remaining 53 subjects low adherent. Conclusion: This study showed that pharmacist intervention has a incredible potent unambiguous impact in creating awareness about the disease, and its maintenance by escalating their medication adherence. It helps the patients initiate a routine of day by day self-medication and potentially improves their long-term clinical outcomes.