Knowledge of self-care practices and compliance with therapy among hypertensive patients in Clinical Training Centre, UiTM Sungai Buloh

Introduction: The increase trend of hypertension has been a major concern for health care professionals in attaining information on patients' knowledge of hypertension and compliance. This study was aimed to determine the knowledge of hypertension and compliance with therapy among hypertensive patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 100 patients was conducted at the Outpatient Pharmacy Department (OPD) and Cardiology Clinic in Clinical Training Centre UiTM Sungai Buloh, Selangor. Hypertensive patients attended the clinics were invited to participate in the survey. This study was held from September to December2017. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: Out of the 100 participants, 45 (45.0%) had adequate knowledge of hypertension, 49 (49.0%) had average knowledge, while 6 (6.0%) had poor knowledge of hypertension. Meanwhile, 85% of patients had adequate compliance of anti-hypertensive medications whereas 15% had poor compliance of hypertension. It was found that the prevalence of hypertension is higher in males than females at 79%. Level of education and gender were associated with patients' knowledge of hypertension. The factors which significantly affecting the compliance rate of anti-hypertensive treatment was level of education and use of traditional medicines.

Conclusion: More than half of the hypertensive patients had average or adequate knowledge of hypertension. Most of the patients had adequate compliance score. Patient's hypertension knowledge significantly affects patient's compliance. Thus emphasis should be placed on patient education to ensure patients take their drugs.