OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the association between different patient factors ( sociodemographic and clinical profile and health belief ) and adherence to prescribed medications among hypertensives.

METHODS: This cross- sectional study is composed of 187 hypertensive follow- up patients of the PGH- FMC from august to September 2006. Patients had at least one anti- hypertensive prescribed for at least a month. Interview was done using a standard data collection tool and hospital charts were reviewed. Adherence was assessed using the Brief Medication Questionnaire ( BMQ ).

RESULTS: Based on the BMQ, 65 of 187 subjects were adherent. The Affiliation of the health care provider who diagnosed (OR 0.43) and the patient's perceptions on the problems in recall (OR 1.65), refills (OR 2.8) and side- effects (OR 2.69) were found to be significantly associated with adherence ( 95% confidence interval).

CONCLUSION: This study supported previous finding that perceived barriers as the most powerful predictor across studies and behavior. To improve adherence, physicians must be conscious of the affordability, availability, accessibility and tolerability of drugs. Screening for perceived barriers should be part of patient assessment. Once identified, strategies to address these should be included in the patient management. Identifying other health perceptions using qualitative methodologies is also recommended for a more comprehensive and health perceptions using qualitative methodologies is also recommended for a more comprehensive and reliable assessment.

The Filipino Family Physician, 2008 46 (2) pages 63-72