Abstract:
In Namibia, the prevalence of hypertension among women and men aged 35–64 years is
high, ranging from 44% to 57%. In this study, we aimed to determine adherence and predictors to
antihypertensive therapy in Khomas region, Namibia. A cross-sectional study was performed to
consecutively sample 400 patients from urban and peri-urban settings in Namibia. Results were
validated using the Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale. Crude associations
between predictors of adherence and compliance were tested using the Pearson chi-square test. A
multivariable logistic regression analysis was then performed on adherence variables found to be
significant to adjust for confounders, and the results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR)
with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 400 patients participated in this study. The participants’
mean age and standard deviation were Mean SD = 48.9 12.5. In this study, 351 (87.7%) patients
were estimated to have good adherence. Education, employment, and the presence of other chronic
diseases were associated with adherence. Following multivariate adjustment, the following factors
were significantly associated and are therefore predictors of adherence (95%CI, p < 0.005): receiving
enough medication at last check-up until next one (OR = 5.44, CI 1.76–16.85), lack of encouragement
from family and friends (OR = 0.11 (0.03–0.42)), and attendance of follow-ups on schedule (OR = 8.49,
CI = 3.82–18.85). The success of hypertension therapy is dependent on the healthcare systems and
healthcare professionals in supplying enough medication, support of friends/family, and maintaining
scheduled follow-ups. A combination of interventions using low-cost mobile technology led by
healthcare professionals could be endorsed. To fully practice universal access to medication, public
and private hospitals in Namibia should collaborate.
