Antihypertensive prescription pattern, self-reported reasons for non adherence to antihypertensives and adherence to lifestyle practices among the elderly

Introduction: Adherence to antihypertensives is not to be assumed just because people seek help. It is a complex issue and requires individualised care. Individuals above the age of 60 years have double the risk of cardiovascular diseases for each rise in 20 mmHg Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) or 10 mmHg Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP). Aim: To identify the antihypertensive prescription pattern among elderly hypertensives and to explore the reasons for non adherence to antihypertensives expressed by the elderly hypertensive patients on assessment using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using the cross sectional survey design. A total of 800 elderly hypertensives attending Medicine Outpatients Department (OPDs) of a tertiary care hospital, Karnataka, were surveyed using purposive sampling technique from July 2013 to July 2015. The tools used were demographic and clinical proforma, scale on lifestyle practices and MMAS-8 (r=0.83). Results: The study findings revealed that most of the participants 205 (25.6%) were on calcium antagonists. Majority 309 (38.6%)were found to be non adherent to antihypertensives. The overall adherence to lifestyle modifications was 59.4%. The majority i.e., 249 (31.1%) expressed that forgetfulness is the major factor for their non adherence. Conclusion: With the mainstay of pharmacotherapy for hypertension, lifestyle modifications play a vital role in the management of hypertension.