PATIENT TREATMENT SATISFACTION AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS VISITING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN INDIA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Objectives: This observational cross-sectional study is aimed to assess the medication adherence and treatment satisfaction in hypertensive patients. This study was conducted at a public tertiary care hospital. Methods: Hypertensive patients of both the sex groups aged >60 years visiting outpatient department were enrolled. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and the Medication Interview Satisfaction Scale (MISS-21) were used to assess treatment adherence and satisfaction in the study population. The study included 153 hypertensive patients. Key findings: Most of the study participants had poor socioeconomic level and were in the age group of 60-65 years. The study participants reported high levels of treatment satisfaction. Patients reported good satisfaction across all four MISS domains: distress alleviation, communication comfort, compliance intent, and rapport. The frequency of nonadherence in this study was 24.2%. Conclusion: Despite reporting high levels of satisfaction, most patients did not adhere to their prescriptions. Aged hypertensive patients require special attention in hospitals to ensure proper treatment adherence. Patients with hypertension should be advised to take their medications for the rest of their life. Healthcare professionals have a greater responsibility when treating elderly patients with chronic conditions.